Ecuador “in a state of war” and football in check: matches behind closed doors, with the Cup Winners’ Cup ahead of them

The increase in violence in all cities of Ecuadorthe constant bomb threats in public spaces and the presence of narco-terrorist gangs meant that the president, on January 8, 2024, Daniele Noboa announce the state of war for 60 days and therefore the suspension of mass events.

A few days after the call “Yellow Night”in which Barcelona de Guayaquil presents the squad and reinforcements for the season, the Government Minister, Esteban Torres, surprised with his announcement: “The football matches will certainly not be suspended, but for the moment they will have to take place without spectators, until until there is a decision that allows the presence of fans in stadiums,” he said.

The announcement forced the management of the “bullfighter” club to postpone the event (scheduled for Saturday 3) pending a dialogue with the authorities and an agreement so that fans can go to the stadium. If he is not authorized, the president Antonio Álvarez He was firm in announcing that he will be permanently suspended.

The measure would affect the “pockets” of the clubs, since according to official reports from 2023, around $3 million in tickets were generated between Barcelona, ​​​​Emelec and Liga de Quito alone. Money from advertising brands and broadcast rights would also be an item that would be reduced this year.

The problem, however, goes beyond the Barcelona show; The first match of the Lega Pro will also be played, scheduled for Friday 16 February and which will begin with the Macará match against the Liga de Quito. behind closed doors.

The President of the Lega Pro, Miguel Angel Loor He was definitive: “We will see how to analyze the issue internally, but we have to follow the orders. We want to play, have an audience and if they tell us it’s not safe, ready, absolutely not,” he explained.

The clubs immediately made it known that they will ask the Council of Presidents to postpone the first date by up to two weeks.

The location of Ecuadorian clubs in Copa Libertadores AND South American it is also in danger. In case of Aucas which is the first team to debut against Paraguay’s Nacional, is expected to play behind closed doors or move the match to another country.

On February 22nd, League of Quito receives Fluminense for the first final of the South American Cup Winners’ Cup at the Rodrigo Paz Delgado stadium, but the provision is valid until March, so the “albos” could not count on their fans for this match.

There is great concern among Pro League teams as any change to the calendar would alter teams’ schedules, especially for participants in international tournaments. However, playing without an audience would generate significant economic losses, in a context in which of the 16 teams participating in the first division, only four (Independiente del Valle, Mushuc Runa, Delfín and Orense) enjoy good financial health.