On Thursday evening, Ecuador's Professional Football League (Liga Pro) released an official statement announcing the rescheduling of the match between Universidad Católica and Emelec for security reasons. The match was originally set to take place on February 21 at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado in Quito and was part of the Liga Ecuabet season opener. As the new season approaches, public attention has turned to the upcoming elections at the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF), which will occur on March 17, where candidate Francisco Egas is set to compete against Esteban Paz.

El Universo learned that the decision was primarily influenced by a 'compelling report' received from the police's Intendency and the provincial government. While the community speculated that the timing of this rescheduling might be politically motivated due to the impending FEF elections, Liga Pro clarified that their dedication to the safety of players and staff was the guiding factor behind this decision. The report highlighted potential risks associated with the match and urged immediate action.

This situation underscores the intersection of sports and political activities in Ecuador, where elections can provoke various responses from public institutions. The Liga Pro’s proactive approach to ensure the safety of participants reflects broader concerns about security in the context of sporting events, especially during politically charged periods. Moving forward, the rescheduling could potentially influence audience attendance and the dynamics surrounding the opening match of the season.