Rafael Correa, the former president, stated that despite having complimentary tickets to watch the World Cup opening match in which Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0, he decided not to attend in "solidarity" with his colleagues.
Correa - who currently resides in Brussels and is facing possible criminal charges in Ecuador - had planned to attend the match for work purposes. The former president has a weekly program titled 'Conversing with Correa' on the RT channel, and - as he stated - this media outlet obtained tickets for the sporting event for him.
The Ecuadorian National Soccer Team did not qualify for the World Cup, but the former president was present outside the Luzhniki Stadium wearing a shirt with the national colors.
This afternoon, a request from Judge Daniela Camacho was discussed in the National Assembly of Ecuador in order to authorize the criminal trial against the former president in the Balda case. Meanwhile, a group of Correa's supporters gathered outside the Legislative Palace in Quito to show their support for the former leader.
Support for Argentina
While being captured by the Argentinean medium TN - Todo Noticias outside the Moscow stadium, Correa said: "Good luck Argentina, you deserve a championship, the Argentinean people and Lionel Messi, an extraordinary player."
Russian President Vladimir Putin - ally of Correa during his presidency - officially opened the World Cup. (D)
After leaving office in Ecuador, Rafael Correa "landed" a job in Russia. He went to the World Cup opening, without his national colors in the World Cup, he wears the light blue and white: "The Argentinean people and Messi deserve a championship" pic.twitter.com/TygiDNMMot
— TN - Todo Noticias (@todonoticias) June 14, 2018
Despite having complimentary tickets to the World Cup opening, I want to tell you that, due to everything that is happening in my country, and in solidarity with my colleagues who have gathered today to support me, I finally decided not to attend. https://t.co/yaShUVJNi0
— Rafael Correa (@MashiRafael) June 14, 2018