Ecuador keep place at Qatar World Cup after Chile appeal rejected

Chile’s appeal to have Ecuador disqualified from the World Cup in Qatar has been rejected by FIFA.

The appeal was made on the basis of Ecuador selecting an ineligible player during their qualifying campaign.

Football’s world governing body opened disciplinary proceedings last month following allegations that right-back Byron Castillo is Colombian and not eligible to represent Ecuador.

Castillo made eight appearances for Ecuador in their South American qualifying campaign.

Chile, who failed to qualify for the World Cup, lodged a complaint, but FIFA confirmed on Friday that Ecuador will keep their place at the World Cup, which starts in November.

FIFA Disciplinary Committee passes decision on eligibility of Byron David Castillo Segura

 https://t.co/3lRmSF4QqA pic.twitter.com/AhRFKCxRfp

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) June 10, 2022

A statement on FIFA’s website read: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has rendered its decision in relation to the potential ineligibility of the player Byron David Castillo Segura with regard to his participation in eight qualifying matches of the national team of the Ecuadorian Football Association (FEF) in the preliminary competition of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

“After analysing the submissions of all parties concerned and considering all elements brought before it, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has decided to close the proceedings initiated against the FEF.

“The Disciplinary Committee’s findings were notified today to the parties concerned. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the parties have 10 days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com. The present decision remains subject to an appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.”

La Roja, who finished seventh to miss out on a play-off spot, would have taken Ecuador’s place had FIFA disqualified them. 

Ecuador will face hosts Qatar, Netherlands and Senegal in Group A.