Antonio Cordón is in Spain for almost three weeks, but "he did not quit (his job as Sports Director of the Ecuadorian Football Federation), we are in daily contact with him," said Gustavo Silikovich, Secretary General of the FEF, consulted by EL UNIVERSO. And regarding the return of Jordi Cruyff, who has not been in the country since March 13 - he left for Barcelona to be with his family during the coronavirus pandemic - the official assured that the arrival of the national team coach, initially scheduled for yesterday, has been delayed for a week.

Regarding Cordón, who is still mentioned by the Spanish press as an almost certain signing for Betis, to accompany Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini in a project to revive the Seville team, Silikovich asserted that his trip was not because he has already left the FEF.

• Jordi Cruyff, in Ecuadorian territory only 24 days as a coach

"Antonio (Cordón) was in Ecuador since February, alone, without his family; and he stayed here during the most complicated and difficult months of the coronavirus pandemic while his wife and children were in Europe. He took advantage of a humanitarian flight and on June 20 (last) he traveled to Madrid to be with his family. He has not left his job at the Federation," said Silikovich.

He added that the dialogue with Cordón is constant and that "the work schedule that was planned remains. He works with Claudio Campos, who is the coordinator of the FEF."

'Highly valued professional'

The Secretary General of Ecuafútbol denied that Cordón left with the intention of negotiating his signing with Betis, but clarified that "obviously I can't say that he has not received offers, because Antonio is a top-level professional and highly valued in the European market."

He added that the return of the sports director is scheduled for a later date than Cruyff's because, with everyone already in Ecuador, it is intended to present a work plan designed to cover all national teams, including the women's team. "Cordón may arrive here one week after Cruyff does," he added.

And about Cruyff, who receives criticism from the press and several club leaders because he left without the permission of the FEF board to travel, and who has not returned despite the relaxation of biosecurity measures imposed since the declaration of a state of health emergency in some Ecuadorian cities, the Ecuafútbol official also spoke.

'Family issue'

"Jordi has a return ticket to Quito for next Thursday, July 16. Originally, he was supposed to return today (yesterday), but due to a delicate family issue, which he communicated to us, he requested permission to delay his arrival," said Silikovich.

And he gave details of what will happen when, four months after his departure, Cruyff returns. "He and his coaching staff (the arrival of the four collaborators was planned, according to Silikovich, to take place around midnight yesterday, directly to the capital) will undergo a fourteen-day quarantine at the Casa de la Selección. All the biosecurity recommendations established by the national COE for disinfection of the place have been implemented and they will be permanently in their rooms. They will only leave to eat, in two groups. Previously, the mandatory PCR tests will be conducted." (D)