On Monday, a video appeared on the Internet showing flames leaping from the right wing of the airplane, on which the team flew to Rostov-on-Don for their match against Uruguay.

Media reports suggested that there could have been a fire in the engine. The Saudi Arabian Football Federation later denied the reports of a fire.

"There were no problems with the transport, there was rather a hasty first reaction. Later we found out that the plane touched down with both engines and flew off the next day. If there had been any malfunctions, then it wouldn't have flown back, that's it," Sorokin said.

Saudi Arabia were beaten by hosts Russia 5-0 in the opening match of the World Cup and suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Uruguay in Rostov-on-Don on Wednesday, eliminating them from the tournament.

Saudi Arabia will face Egypt in their final Group A match on Monday.