Argentine journalist claims Mexican cartel threatened Ecuador players before World Cup qualifier

Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann has alleged that Mexican cartel members threatened Ecuadorian players prior to their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mexico. The match, which Ecuador lost 2-0, resulted in their elimination from the tournament.

Feinmann stated on Radio Mitre that five Ecuadorian players were contacted with specific threats that included details about their family members in both Ecuador and Mexico. The journalist suggested this intimidation campaign may have impacted the team's performance on the field.

This accusation gains traction due to the presence of several Ecuadorian players with past ties to Mexican football or familial connections in Mexico. Feinmann highlighted these links as a potential reason why these specific players might have been targeted by cartel operatives.

Neither the Ecuadorian Football Federation nor any of the players have officially confirmed or denied Feinmann's claims. The report from Cooperativa notes the seriousness of the accusation, which has not been independently verified.

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It is quite complicated, because it seems confirmed that there were threats by a Mexican Cartel to the Ecuadorian players. They contacted five players, with specific data about relatives in Ecuador and Mexico.