Ecuador confirm formal FIFA complaint over Mexico treatment before England clash

Ecuador have confirmed the details of their formal complaint to FIFA over their treatment before and during their World Cup exit at the hands of Mexico, in a dispute that has taken on fresh significance with England now set to face the co-hosts in the last 16.

Ecuador were beaten 2-0 by Mexico last month in a match overshadowed by allegations of disruption tactics, including a mysteriously delayed team flight into the country and reports of fireworks and other loud noises being set off near their hotel in the build-up.

According to the Mirror, the Ecuadorian federation has now released a statement outlining the formal action it has taken with world football’s governing body. Part of the statement read: “The Federation filed a formal complaint with FIFA, requesting a detailed investigation into the events that occurred before and during the match — including all those that may have compromised safety and security issues for our fans and players. This is the correct and official channel to clarify any situation related to a match of this magnitude.”

England braced for hostile reception

The row lands at a sensitive moment for Thomas Tuchel’s England side, who face Mexico in the last 16 and are bracing themselves for a similarly intimidating atmosphere south of the border.

The Three Lions’ preparations were nearly disrupted for an entirely different reason when FIFA reportedly considered bringing the kick-off forward by six hours because of the threat of thunderstorms around the Azteca Stadium. Both camps are said to have firmly rejected the proposed change, prompting a significant U-turn from the governing body.

England are said to be taking no chances with their own preparations, with ear plugs reportedly among the precautions being considered to help players cope with noise disruption inside the stadium.

Secrecy over hotel and training base

The location of England’s hotel in Mexico is reportedly being kept under wraps, amid concerns it could be leaked in the way Ecuador’s was ahead of their tie with the co-hosts.

England have also continued training in Kansas City rather than closer to their eventual destination, reportedly over fears that their sessions could otherwise be spied upon before the last-16 tie.

With Ecuador’s complaint now formally lodged and England acutely aware of the pitfalls that came before them, the build-up to the last-16 fixture has taken on an added layer of controversy before a ball has even been kicked.

Read more: England’s route to the World Cup final: Mexico, then Brazil or Norway await