FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Ecuadorian Football Association for insulting fan chants.
Supporters of the South Americans were negatively noticed during the World Cup opening game against hosts Qatar (20.11.2022) with apparently homophobic songs about Chile.
Ecuador faces sanctions
Although FIFA does not name the exact chants, it states that it relies on Article 13 of its Disciplinary Code, which stipulates the “Insulting the dignity or integrity of a country, person or group by using contemptuous, discriminatory or offensive language“. Ecuador could face a fine and a closed game.
In the run-up to the World Cup, Chile and Peru had sued Ecuador’s participation in the World Cup because of doubts about Byron Castillo’s nationality. However, they failed in doing so before the International Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS. Castillo was ultimately not nominated, but the matter was now cause for chants.