Uruguay faced significant World Cup travel disruption after their flight from their training base in Mexico to Miami was grounded.
According to reports in Uruguay, Marcelo Bielsa’s side were not permitted to enter the United States on the original aircraft that arrived in Cancun due to paperwork problems.
As a result, the Uruguay squad were stuck in Mexico for several hours and forced to remain at their hotel while waiting for a replacement flight to fly to their tournament opener against Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The AUF said on Sunday: “Due to problems beyond the control of the AUF, the departure from Mexico has been delayed. The squad is resting at the hotel. The new departure time set by FIFA is 4.15pm.”
Marcelo Bielsa is a known a critic of governing bodies and will speak to the media overnight following the disruption
Uruguay were stuck in Mexico for several hours and forced to remain at their hotel while waiting for a replacement flight ahead of their tournament opener against Saudi Arabia on Monday
The Uruguayan federation blamed FIFA for the disruption, although FIFA are yet to respond to Daily Mail Sport’s request for comment.
Bielsa had been scheduled to hold a press conference with central defender Jose Maria Gimenez in Miami at 6.45pm local time. However, it has been rescheduled for 8pm because of the delays.
Missing the press conference altogether could result in FIFA imposing sanctions. However, the delegation now appear to be on the move with photos on social media showing the team boarding the new plane.
