Fifa to investigate Valencia absence

Valencia has grown immensely as a Wigan Athletic player over the past twelve months and has also become increasingly important for his national team.

So much so that his long trips for friendly games have annoyed Latics boss Steve Bruce who has made no secret of his disapproval of international friendlies at such busy times of the season.

Valencia: In EEF hot water

Wilson Palacios, Emmerson Boyce, Antoni Valencia, and before his departure, Marlon King are regularly flown half way across the world to play in such friendly fixtures.

However they have their requirements to play for their respective countries and are no doubt proud to do so.

Speaking about Valencia's so called no show for Ecuador's friendly with Columbia last week, Ecuador boss Vizuete said: "It seems he did not join us because he didn't want to.

"Our friendly was played on a date Fifa set aside for these type of games and regulations must be followed. Now, the Ecuadorian Football Federation are following up this case with the club which owns the player's rights.

"Ecuador have left the doors of the national team open for when the real reason for his absence is clarified."

The president of the EEF (the equivalent of the FA in Ecuador) did little to pour cold water on the rumours. He got on the highest horse he could find and said: "We are sending a formal complaint to FIFA.

"Neither the club nor him have a justification for this absence. The only thing we can see is that Valencia does not want to represent the Ecuadorian national team.

"If he didn't join the team because he is scared of being excluded from the Wigan starting line-up, it's unacceptable. Valencia should have joined the national team without making excuses. He was the one who decided not to play against Colombia."

What the duo have failed to explain is that Valencia is already banned from one of the two upcoming international fixtures that Ecuador have, and the other will prove to be a likely win for the yellow shirted nation.