FIFA statement as Leeds United hero Marcelo Bielsa's World Cup preparations hit by error
Leeds United favourite Marcelo Bielsa has suffered disruption to his Uruguay side’s final preparations for their World Cup opener in Miami.
Bielsa is leading the Uruguay national team into their Group H opener against Saudi Arabia tonight, with an 11pm kick-off. But the Argentine, who masterminded Leeds’ 2020 escape from the Championship and a subsequent top 10 finish in the Premier League, has had to deal with last-minute disruption to his preparations.
FIFA have confirmed that a permit issue with the plane due to take Uruguay from Cancun to Miami caused a delay. A second plane was required after the initial flight was cancelled. Bielsa then missed his scheduled pre-game press conference on Sunday and had to meet with the media later on, after the team arrived in America. He played down the issue saying: “The flight caused no problems.”
A FIFA statement said: "Due to an airline permitting error in Mexico, the Uruguay national team’s departure from Cancun to Miami was delayed. The airline has apologised for the inconvenience caused. FIFA remained in close contact with the Uruguay national team throughout their delay and worked alongside airport and operational partners to help expedite the process and minimise disruption to the team’s travel arrangements.”