Ecuador’s national team is hunting for a new manager after Sebastián Beccacece’s exit, and the name Robert Moreno is gaining traction as a candidate. The Spanish tactician, a former Spain boss, now faces fresh scrutiny over his 2025 firing from Russia’s Sochi FC amid allegations he used artificial intelligence to set lineups and game plans. Last result: Mexico 2-0 Ecuador (2026-07-01). Moreno has denied the claims in an open letter to Marca, insisting his departure stemmed from sporting disagreements, not tech tools. Yet the debate over AI in football refuses to fade.

What happened to Robert Moreno in Russia?

In January 2025, reports surfaced that Sochi FC had dismissed Moreno for allegedly leaning on ChatGPT to craft tactics and selections. The coach pushed back hard: "I have never used ChatGPT or any AI to pick players or set lineups." He framed his exit as a mutual decision tied to uneven results and clashes over sporting direction. The saga reignited wider questions about AI’s role in the game, though Moreno stressed that final calls always rest with the coaching staff.

Why does this matter for Ecuador?

Moreno’s potential move to Ecuador’s national team has fans buzzing, but the Sochi cloud hangs over him. With the team’s last five outings showing just one win, three draws, and one loss, stability is the top priority. Moreno brings top-level pedigree-he steered Spain from 2018 to 2019-but his Russian episode risks overshadowing his candidacy. The Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) is weighing candidates who can balance tactics with squad harmony, especially as the 2026 World Cup looms.

What’s next for La Tri?

The FEF is vetting replacements for Beccacece, and Moreno is on the shortlist. Yet the Sochi saga could slow talks. Meanwhile, Ecuador gears up for its next cycle with an eye on World Cup 2026. The AI debate, though distant from Ecuador’s pitch, underscores a bigger truth: tech can crunch data, but the human eye still decides matches. The federation’s call could land in weeks, with results and locker-room chemistry the deciding factors.