The controversy surrounding the match between Universidad Católica and Emelec has taken another turn as Luis Muentes, president of the Ecuadorian Referees Association, announced that the refereeing team will not travel to Quito for the match originally scheduled for Saturday in the Ecuabet League. The decision comes after Liga Pro officially announced the rescheduling of the game due to an emergency related to security issues. Despite Universidad Católica's intention to proceed as planned, the referees will comply with the directive from the organizing body of the tournament.

In an interview with the radio program Mete gol gana, Muentes clarified the arbiters' collective stance. He emphasized that although the referees are designated by the Refereeing Commission, it is crucial to respect the decisions made by the tournament organizer, Liga Pro. With the league indicating that the match is postponed, traveling to officiate it would contradict the league's directive. This situation highlights the challenges faced by sports organizations in ensuring player and staff safety amidst rising security concerns.

The implications of this decision extend beyond a mere game rescheduling; it raises questions about safety protocols in Ecuadorian football. It highlights the call for more stringent measures to safeguard all participants and reflects an ongoing dialogue about the safety of athletes and officials in high-stakes matches. The situation continues to evolve as both clubs and the league navigate the complexities of scheduling and security in the wake of this rescheduling incident.