Ecuador’s place at the World Cup in Qatar is secure after FIFA rejected Chile’s bid to have their South American rivals excluded from the tournament.
A spot in Group A, including the opening fixture of the tournament against Qatar on November 20, was under threat due to the eligibility of Byron Castillo – who played eight times during qualifying.
Chile presented evidence that Castillo was born in Colombia and was seeking action that would have seen them replace Ecuador in the tournament.
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However, the FIFA Appeal Committee has closed proceedings initiated against the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF).
“Having analysed the submissions of all parties and after a hearing had been conducted, the Appeal Committee confirmed the decision of the Disciplinary Committee to close the proceedings initiated against the FEF,” a statement read.
“Amongst other considerations, it deemed that on the basis of the documents presented, the player was to be considered as holding permanent Ecuadorian nationality in accordance with art. 5 par. 1 of the FIFA Regulations Governing the Application of the Statutes.”
Chile could still appeal the decision and take the hearing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
SOURCE: livescore.com
