Mexico hit with second World Cup complaint ahead of crunch England battle

Mexico's preparations for their World Cup last-16 showdown with England have been overshadowed after a second formal complaint was lodged with FIFA following a series of security concerns.The tournament co-hosts face Thomas Tuchel's side at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday evening local time (1am BST on Monday), but attention has shifted away from the football after Ecuador called for a full investigation into events surrounding their previous knockout encounter.The latest complaint follows Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador in the round of 32, with the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) claiming a number of incidents compromised the safety of both their squad and supporters.Among the issues highlighted was the team's journey from Felipe Angeles International Airport to their hotel in Mexico City. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Ecuador allege the 40-mile trip took more than three hours because their transport was not provided with a police escort through heavy traffic.The federation also claims Mexico supporters gathered outside the team hotel on the eve of the match, using fireworks, motorcycles, loudspeakers and car horns in an attempt to disturb the players before kick-off.Following the game, Ecuador further alleged that some of their supporters and journalists were targeted by Mexico fans, who reportedly threw liquids and other objects.The FEF has now asked FIFA to examine every incident connected to the fixture.Regarding what happened against Mexico, the FEF filed a formal complaint with FIFA, requesting a thorough investigation of the events that occurred before and during the match, including all those that may have compromised the safety of our fans and players, the federation said.The latest submission comes after Ecuador had already criticised the alleged disturbance outside the team hotel.LATEST SPORTS NEWS:Mexico issue statement after rule breach fears ahead of England World Cup clashSerena Williams 'heartbroken' as tennis star forced to withdraw from WimbledonEngland and Mexico World Cup match facing fresh delay as FIFA holds talks over thunderstorm threatSuch conduct stands in stark contrast to the principles of fair play, equity, and unity that a World Cup should embody, an earlier FEF statement read.The FEF respectfully calls upon the competent authorities to pay greater attention to these events and to adopt the necessary measures to safeguard the safety of our players, coaching staff, and fans.Mexico's build-up to facing England has already been eventful.FIFA considered bringing the kick-off forward by several hours because of forecasts of thunderstorms and concerns over supporter safety following celebrations after Mexico's victory over Ecuador, during which four people reportedly died as large crowds gathered on the streets of Mexico City.However, after objections from both national teams over the disruption such a late alteration would cause, FIFA decided to keep the original kick-off time.England have also taken additional precautions following Ecuador's complaints.Tuchel's squad were given a police escort after arriving in Mexico City, while security around the team's hotel has been significantly increased, with officers in riot gear immediately deployed outside the accommodation.Mexico have won all four of their World Cup games so far, with South Africa, South Korea, Czechia and Ecuardor all overcome.England, meanwhile, go into the clash with three victories from four outings. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter