Mexico hit with second FIFA complaint before England World Cup game

Mexico are at the centre of another FIFA complaint ahead of their World Cup game against England.

The World Cup co-hosts will play England at Azteca Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm local time on Sunday (1am BST on Monday).

On Friday night, FIFA had considered making the unprecedented decision to move the kick-off time to six hours earlier due to concerns over the weather and the safety of supporters.

After Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador in the last-32 earlier this week, four people died as thousands of fans crowded the Mexico City streets during the celebrations.

Thunderstorms and heavy rain is also forecast around the time of the game, which could lead to significant delays.

However, strong opposition from both England and Mexico over the lack of preparation time for the change, plus the impact on travelling supporters, has seen FIFA stick with the original kick-off time.

Ecuador, meanwhile, had already submitted a formal complaint to FIFA this week after Mexico fans targeted their team hotel the night before their last-32 game, using car horns, fireworks, motorcycles and loudspeakers to disturb the players.

‘Such conduct stands in stark contrast to the principles of fair play, equity, and unity that a World Cup should embody,’ the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) said in a statement.

‘The FEF respectfully calls upon the competent authorities to pay greater attention to these events and to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the safety of our players, coaching staff, and fans.’

However, Ecuador have now followed up with a second complaint to FIFA and have demanded a full investigation of all incidents that could have compromised the safety of their squad and Ecuador supporters.

Among the incidents reported by Ecuador was a delay of more than three hours in their 40-mile journey from Felipe Angeles International Airport to their team hotel in Mexico City as their transport was not given an escort through the heavy traffic.

Ecuador also report that after the match, their supporters and journalists were attacked by Mexico fans who threw liquids and various objects.

A statement from the FEF read: ‘Regarding what happened against Mexico, the FEF filed a formal complaint with FIFA, requesting a thorough investigation of the events that occurred before and during the match, including all those that may have compromised the safety of our fans and players.’

England, meanwhile, were given a police escort to their hotel after arriving in Mexico City on Friday.

Security has also been improved after Ecuador’s complaints this week as England’s hotel was immediately surrounded by police officers in riot gear.

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