Secretary of the Ecuadorian Football Federation describes as ‘a problem’ that the COE prevents the presence of the public in the match against Brazil

the secretary of the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF), el Argentine Gabriel Wainer, described as a problem for the entity to which it belongs the fact that the Emergency Operations Committee (COE) has not authorized the presence of the public for the match against Brazil, for the South American qualifiers to Qatar 2022.

“It is a problem for us; first, to have the support of the public, essential for any team that plays at home, in these qualifying matches; second, for an economic fact also for the FEF, that had that percentage of tickets sold”, he referred in an interview to The Soccer Channel.

Wainer acknowledged that they were already on notice about the COE’s resolution: “The rumor was being handled that there could be the possibility of playing without an audience. There were meetings until the last minute; Oh well, the arm of the health authorities could not be twisted, who could have had their arguments, their reasons. One does not know in depth all that area to wield an opinion; I do allow myself to comment, as a citizen who travels through Quito, (that) it would be a bit incongruous, because one sees public transport full of people, sees activities everywhere and, suddenly, not being able to enter soccer, with a limited capacity, not 100%, with people vaccinated, with a PCR, which can be done (the) day before. In short, it seemed to me that it was feasible to have people”.

The former player of Estudiantes Juniors and Vélez Sarsfield, from Argentina, said: “This decision by the authorities is unfortunate, which does not allow us, I insist, to have the encouragement of the public and have an economic contribution after so many games where we did not have people or (with) reduced capacity”.

The also Argentine journalist highlighted that the Government of Guillermo Lasso has made a significant change in vaccination since he took power. “Many people have been vaccinated in a short time, it seems to me that it is to be praised, that it must be said as well. And all of a sudden we find this type of inconsistencies and we have to be harmed in the soccer area; not only the selection, but they prevent a club as important as Barcelona on its (Yellow) Night from not having capacity. It is sad and unfortunate not to have people in the stands”.

The FEF official does not know about the actions that will be taken to return the value of the tickets to the fans. “It is not an area that concerns me, there are dedicated people in the FEF about that. They will be able to spend that ticket to attend the match against Argentina or return the money.

Wainer insisted on the importance of having a public in the stadium: “Eventually there could be a celebration of the public, but It is that public that is going to push us, it is going to help us to get points and win local games. It is essential to have the support of the people. Our players found out (about the COE’s resolution) as the afternoon training session was ending; what if, they are a little beaten, a little surprised by this decision of the Government, and there is no other choice but to comply and play as we have already had, behind closed doors. The contagion of the public is felt within the field and for the players it is important”. (D)