Football in Ecuador set to return as referees' strike comes to an end

Following a week of inactivity the Ecuadorian Primera Division looks set to restart this weekend, after referees took the decision to end a strike called in protest at new working conditions.

The officials announced on Friday, through the Ecuadorian Association of Referees (AAE), that they would be on strike indefinitely due to new disciplinary measures passed by the country's football federation. The union took particular offence to a new clause which would allow the federation to demote referees for poor performances and demanded that they be judged by a committee made up of their peers.

As a result the third round of fixtures in the Primera Fase did not go ahead, but Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) president Luis Chiriboga revealed on Wednesday evening that action would resume for the coming weekend.

"We have come to a happy conclusion with the referees, which is why from this weekend forward the tournament will resume. We would like to make clear that the competition was never suspended for economic reasons," the FEF chief declared in a press conference.

AAE head Alfredo Intriago echoed Chiriboga's words as he declared the strike at an end.

"After discussing and analysing in depth some extremely technical issues, we have decided to continue officiating in the tournament that was interrupted for very just reasons."

Copa Sudamericana finalists Liga de Quito currently lie top of the Primera Fase, having won both of their opening games without conceding a goal. Emelec also boast a 100 per cent record, but are pushed to second by virtue of goal difference.