Human Trafficking Scandal Rocks Ecuador National Team

Ecuador coach Luis Fernando Suarez, whose side will face Germany in its final World Cup group stage match on June 20 in Berlin, played down the human trafficking scandal Ecuadorian national soccer association FEF was currently embroiled in.

"Nobody can take away our dream of winning," the former Colombian player told German news agency DPA.

Suarez admitted that the timing of the scandal was bad, but it should not have "emotional or sporting effects on the players."

During qualifications Suarez' team beat both South American powerhouses Brazil and Argentina.

"The team has gotten better and we will prove that in Germany," Suarez said.

Ecuador team coordinator, Vinicio Luna, and the team doctor, Patricio Maldonado, were arrested for human trafficking, false visa applications and taking money to help up to seven Ecuadorians slip into the USA during a friendly.

The men paid up to $7,000 (6,000 euros) to accompany the team on the trip to the United States. Luna has been in custody since the end of March. Through his lawyer, he has denied the charges.

The seven men are the main witnesses in the case that reeled in Maldonado after two of the Ecuadorians, who had traveled into the US as national players and received visas in February, named the team doctor in the scandal.

Ecuador will be playing in their second World Cup finals.