San Jose: FIFA is set to hear an appeal hearing about the case where an ineligible Ecuadorian player played in the 2022 WC Qualifier. Chilean Football Association alleged that Byron Castillo was born in Colombia and not Ecuador thus making him ineligible.
The legal dispute flared on May 4 this year when Chile alleged that Ecuador is playing an ineligible player. The CFA asked FIFA to investigate the claims that Byron Castillo is not Ecuadorian by birth, but a Colombian. Chile claims that Byron was born in Tumaco, Colombia in 1995 rather than in General Villamil Playas, Ecuador in 1998. The CFA also states that they have the documents to prove their allegation.
The Football supremo has already issued a legal ruling rejecting the claims on June 1. However, The CFA did not back down with a fight as they appealed again on July 10th. The Ecuadorian Football Association in response said that Castillo is Ecuadorian by all means. The association also said that the allegations are “unfounded rumors” with “the clear objective of destabilizing the federation.”
What happens if Byron Castillo is found ineligible?
Byron Castillo played eight qualifying games for the South American side. The games he played are thence forfeited, resulting in 3-0 losses for Ecuador. Ecuador will drop down in the WC Qualifying Points Table. Chile will eventually rise to the fourth position thus earning automatic qualification for Doha.
Not Even the first time!
Yes, It is not happening for the first time. In 2018, FIFA sanctioned the Bolivian Football Association for fielding Nelson Cabrera. Cabrera was born in Paraguay, deeming him ineligible to play for Bolivia. The decision benefitted Peru, which rose above Chile to Russia. And guess who filed the allegation? Yes, Chile
