When the Columbus Crew faced Pachuca in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup final, they had similar issues with food poisoning impacting the team and the staff before losing 3-0 to Pachuca, which is what Marsch was referring to. He did add, "I don't have any evidence, but It's not random that two years in a row that this has happened."

The Whitecaps canceled practice Wednesday and had a modified session for cleared players Thursday after players and staff reported gastrointestinal symptoms. The Whitecaps are scheduled to play the Seattle Sounders in a Cascadia Cup rivalry match at BC Place on Sunday.

The Vancouver Whitecaps reported that a number of players fell ill after the recent defeat to Cruz Azul and Jesse Marsch believes it may have been a deliberate attack