Jesse Marsch Claims Vancouver Whitecaps Were Poisoned in Mexico

Canada men’s national team coach Jesse Marsch is speaking out after several Vancouver Whitecaps players got sick following their trip to Mexico City for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup final.

Marsch claims someone may have poisoned the players. He also pointed out that this is the second year in a row an MLS team has returned ill after the tournament’s final in Mexico.

Half of Team Reported Illness After Returning Home

According to the Vancouver Whitecaps, about half of their 75-person travel group became ill after their 5–0 loss to Cruz Azul on June 1.

Several players—including Ali Ahmed, Sam Adekugbe, and Jayden Nelson—missed Canada’s initial training sessions in Halifax. All three reported gastrointestinal symptoms. While they’ve since recovered, head coach Jesse Marsch said they’re still not fit to play full matches.

“It’s appalling… this marks the second year in a row Mexico has hosted an MLS team for a final and someone has poisoned them,” Marsch said Friday.

He didn’t provide concrete evidence, but he called the pattern “suspicious.” Marsch also pointed to a similar outbreak last year, when Columbus Crew players fell ill after playing CF Pachuca in Mexico.

Whitecaps: ‘Unlikely It Was Deliberate’

Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen said he doesn’t believe the illness was intentional, but didn’t rule it out either.

“I don’t expect us to be deliberately poisoned… But I don’t know,” he said.

Axel Schuster, the team’s sporting director, said the illness was consistent with food poisoning and likely emerged after the match. He noted the team is working with health authorities and infectious disease experts to investigate the outbreak.

Marsch: “Too Much of a Coincidence”

Marsch didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration toward CONCACAF.

“This is too much of a coincidence. It’s a shame,” he said, adding that MLS and U.S. clubs need more protection during international trips.

He referenced past incidents like midnight fire alarms and noisy distractions outside team hotels as competitive antics—but accused food poisoning of crossing the line.

As of now, CONCACAF has not responded publicly to Marsch’s claims. While it fully oversees national tournaments like the Gold Cup, it only provides financial and logistical support for club competitions like the Champions Cup.

Upcoming Schedule in Jeopardy

The Whitecaps have cancelled or modified multiple training sessions due to the illness and may not be able to field a competitive squad for their MLS match against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

“I don’t want to risk our players,” said Sorensen. “Health comes first.”

Do you think stronger safety protocols are needed for international club tournaments in CONCACAF? Or is this just bad luck for MLS teams?

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