Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Jesse Marsch did not hold back on Friday morning in Toronto, claiming that his team was "poisoned" ahead of their Champions League final against Cruz Azul in Mexico. Marsch went on to accuse CONCACAF of negligence in the matter. The Whitecaps suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat in the match, which did not reflect the team's dominating performance in the MLS this season. Following the game, Vancouver players reportedly returned from Mexico with gastrointestinal symptoms, with three players currently with the Canadian team for Shield Cup friendlies.

Marsch stated that three Vancouver players – Jayden Nelson, Sam Adekugbe, and Ali Ahmed – were "poisoned" and may not be fully fit for 90-minute performances. He criticized CONCACAF for allowing MLS teams to face such risks in Mexico, citing similar incidents in the past. Marsch highlighted that local Mexican teams may seek competitive advantages through such means. Despite lacking concrete evidence, Marsch emphasized the importance of safeguarding players and teams in competitive environments.

In response to Marsch's claims, Vancouver Whitecaps President Alex Schuster mentioned the possibility of an incident occurring after the match, emphasizing the need for further investigation. Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen disputed Marsch's assertions, stressing the team's meticulous preparation and dismissing any deliberate foul play. Marsch remained firm in his allegations, reiterating his stance on multiple occasions during the day.

Social media responses were mixed, with some questioning the validity of the poisoning claims and others expressing concerns about player safety in international competitions. While some users shared personal experiences with digestive issues in Mexico, others speculated about potential suspensions or systemic issues affecting MLS teams traveling to the region. Jesse Marsch's outspoken remarks have sparked conversation and raised questions about the measures in place to protect players during international tournaments.