Ecuador suspends 5 players for leaving training base

QUITO, Ecuador -- Five players have been suspended indefinitely from Ecuador's national soccer team for leaving the squad's training base without permission a day before a key match this week against Argentina.

The Ecuadoran federation declined to identify the players.

Argentina defeated Ecuador 3-1 on Tuesday, a result that guaranteed Argentina a place in next year's World Cup. Ecuador had no chance to advance, but could have eliminated Argentina.

Federation president Carlos Villacis says "the players involved have been indefinitely suspended from any call-up." He said only that they were involved in an act of "indiscipline" and did not give details.

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  Players of Ecuador celebrate after Ecuador's Romario Ibarra scored against during their 2018 World Cup qualifying soccer match at the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium in Quito, Ecuador, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP / Fernando Vergara)