The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) has condemned video footage appearing to show squad members, including 16-year-old Kendry Paez, in a nightclub during April’s international camp in the United States.
Videos emerged on social media appearing to show three players — Paez, plus 32-year-old defender Robert Arboleda and 23-year-old winger Gonzalo Plata — with a female dancer. Arboleda appears to be holding a bundle of bank notes. A second video appears to show a number of Ecuador players dancing in a club, including Chelsea midfielder Moises Caceido, while a sign is displayed reading “Ecuador in the house”.
The FEF explained players were allotted six and a half hours of free time on Friday — the day after their 2-0 friendly victory over Guatemala at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey and two days before their defeat to Italy.
While players “fully complied” with this schedule, the alleged behaviour that took place is contrary to the federations “values and principles” and will inform future squad selections.
An FEF statement read: “After the events which are public knowledge, the FEF states the following:
“The official delegation had free time on Friday 22 March, from 14.00 to 20.30, a schedule with which they fully complied.
“Images have been shared of events contrary to the values and principles that we defend and promote as an institution, which will be the subject of analysis for future squads.
“We reiterate our obligation to Ecuadorian football.”
Chelsea are aware of the incident.
Paez agreed a transfer to Chelsea from Independiente del Valle in June 2023. He will not join the club until the summer of 2025, after turning 18.
The attacking midfielder has been capped six times at senior international level, and appeared as a substitute during Sunday’s 2-0 loss to Italy.
(Franklin Jacome/Getty Images)
