In America… K9 dogs search the bags and belongings of Uruguayan stars | sports

A video clip circulating on social media platforms sparked widespread controversy among fans and followers, at dawn on Tuesday, coinciding with preparations for the start of the match between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup.

The video footage showed that the Uruguayan national team delegation was subjected to strict security procedures and careful examinations upon its arrival on American soil.

The inspection included the use of trained police dogs (K9) to detect drugs and weapons, in addition to advanced metal detectors, and the inspection included the mission’s personal belongings in a precise manner.

A wave of anger and calls for a boycott

As the video spread, reactions on social media platforms were divided regarding the scene. A wide sector of tweeters and activists expressed their strong dissatisfaction with what they described as an “exaggerated measure,” considering that this step constitutes an embarrassment to international players who represent their countries in a major international forum.

Some fans criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino, blaming him for what they considered “an uncivilized appearance that does not befit a historic tournament like the World Cup.”

Some angry voices went so far as to demand a boycott of the tournament, withdraw from its competitions, and call for moving the World Cup to other venues that respect the status of the participating teams.

The other side of the story: a routine procedure that involves everyone

On the other hand, observers confirmed that what happened did not bear any exceptional character or political or sporting targeting of the Uruguayan national team, but rather was part of the routine and strict security protocol of US Customs applied at all its border crossings to detect contraband, drugs or explosives.

Observers explained that these legal procedures are applied equally to all delegations and teams without discrimination. Other major teams were subjected to the same inspection mechanism upon their arrival, including the teams of Germany, Senegal and Uzbekistan, which denies the hypothesis of special treatment or approved insult.