However, the withdrawal of Ruiz was prevented by Venezuelan businessman Gustavo Cisneros, who was able to fund Ruiz to Panama. This is after Mireya Moscoso, then-President of Panama, urged Cisneros to ensure that a Venezuelan candidate will compete at Miss Universe.
Despite the attempt to withdraw Ruiz from the Miss Universe competition, Gustavo Cisneros, a Venezuelan businessman, stepped in and funded her move to Panama. This action was prompted by Mireya Moscoso, then-President of Panama, who requested Cisneros to support a Venezuelan contestant in the Miss Universe pageant.