FIFA explains travel delay as Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay hit by error before World Cup opener | OneFootball

Marcelo Bielsa and Uruguay endured late disruption to their World Cup build-up, delaying their trip from Cancun to Miami for tonight’s Group H opener against Saudi Arabia, with an 11pm kick-off.

FIFA said an airline permitting error in Mexico held up departure, the original flight was cancelled and a second aircraft was arranged. The airline apologised as FIFA liaised with the team and airport partners to speed the process and limit disruption.

The delay meant Bielsa missed his scheduled pre-match press conference on Sunday. He addressed the media later after the squad arrived in America.

The Argentine, who led Leeds out of the Championship in 2020 and to a Premier League top 10 finish, now begins Uruguay’s campaign in Miami.

Bielsa later played down the setback, describing the flight as causing no problems.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk