In Ecuador, Match-Fixers Have a Simple Tactic. Make Players Obey at Gunpoint

A video has emerged showing players forced to lie on the ground and threatened with a firearm - the latest worrying escalation in Ecuador's match-fixing history.

The gunman is holding the camera. At least seven men are lying face down or sitting on the floor. Each in turn, they are forced to show their faces and threatened. One of them talks back to his abusers and has a gun put to his head.

The victims are connected to Chacaritas FC, a football club from the central city of Ambato playing in Ecuador’s Liga B. The purpose of this attack was simple: lose matches, or else.

The video was reportedly filmed in March 2024, but only published by local media in late December.

While Ecuador has a long history with allegations of match-fixing, both for its national leagues and international teams, this caused consternation. The video was part of a sustained effort by criminal groups to put pressure on Chacaritas throughout the year.

Did the threats work?