Ecuador can ‘just’ participate in the World Cup at the end of the year. The Chilean football association had filed a case with the world football association FIFA because the opponent of Orange may have drafted an ineligible player in the qualifying series, but that appeal was rejected on Friday.
The case revolved around the involvement of Ecuadorian international Byron Castillo. According to Chile, there was evidence that the defender was not born on November 10, 1998 in the Ecuadorian city of General Villamil Playas, but on July 25, 1995 in the Colombian city of Tumaco.
Chile then called on FIFA to impose eight regulatory defeats on Ecuador in the South American qualifying series. As a result, Chile would climb to fourth place and take over Ecuador’s World Cup ticket.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee decided on Friday to end the proceedings. It is not yet known why. The parties involved have ten days to request a motivation for the decision.
Ecuador has reacted with great relief to the ruling. “We always knew we were right,” writes Federal President Francisco Egas in a response to Twitter† Chile can still appeal to FIFA’s appeals committee. It is not yet clear on Friday whether that will happen.
Ecuador will be Orange’s second opponent on November 25 during the group stage of the World Cup. The Netherlands will play the opening match against Ecuador four days earlier and will also meet host country Qatar (November 29).
Group A at World Cup
- 1. Qatar
- 2. Ecuador
- 3. Senegal
- 4. Netherlands