Ecuador keep World Cup spot after FIFA dismiss Chile’s appeal

Zurich, September 16 (BNA) – Ecuador will play in the 2022 World Cup finals, the International Football Association Board (FIFA) said on Friday after the International Football Association Board (FIFA) rejected an appeal in the case of Ecuadorean player Byron Castillo, who Chile claimed was ineligible for the qualifiers.

Chile appealed FIFA’s June 10 decision to dismiss their complaint that Castillo was born in Tumaco, Colombia in 1995 and not in the Ecuadorean city of General Villamil Playas in 1998, as stated in his official documents, Reuters reported.

“After analyzing the applications submitted by all parties and after holding a hearing, the Appeal Committee confirmed the decision of the Disciplinary Committee to close the proceedings initiated against the Ecuadorean Football Federation,” FIFA said in a statement.

“Among other considerations, it was considered that, based on the documents submitted, the player should be considered to have permanent Ecuadorean citizenship in accordance with … the FIFA regulations governing the application of the statute.”

The Chilean Football Association confirmed that it would appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

“This is a dark day for football and the credibility of the system,” said Jorge Young, general secretary of the Chilean Football Association. “Of course we will refer that to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

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