Ecuador's 2022 World Cup spot in the balance as FIFA decision awaited
By Andrew Warshaw
September 16 - FIFA is reportedly set to decide whether Ecuador should be kicked out of the World Cup in a case that could lead to significant complications for the November tournament.
Chile's protracted appeal against Ecuador's participation, arguing that their South American counterparts should be expelled for fielding an ineligible player in qualifying, was heard on Thursday with a verdict said to be imminent.
Chile argues that the eight games Byron Castillo (pictured) played in World Cup qualifiers should have the results attributed to Ecuador's opponents. This would mean that Chile would then qualify for Qatar rather than Ecuador.
Chile had accused FIFA of dragging their feet, arguing that if the decision went against them - which seems likely since FIFA's Appeals Committee rarely overturns a decision of its disciplinary panel - they will not wouldn't have time before the start of the World Cup to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
There are just nine weeks left until the start of the 32-team World Cup and the matter is hugely important as Ecuador are set to take center stage against hosts Qatar on the new matchday. opening of the tournament, November 20.
The appeal hearing apparently took place remotely with only the three judges present. However, whatever the final judgment, this may not be the end of the saga since the Chilean and Ecuadorian federations could then appeal to the CAS which would have to call an urgent meeting.
Chile claims to have documents proving that Castillo, believed to be born in Colombia, was never eligible to play for Ecuador, and therefore Ecuador should forfeit all eight games. This would lift Chile to fourth place and eliminate Ecuador.
FIFA had asked Castillo to attend Thursday's hearing, but it's unclear if he did.
The case continues as FIFA and organizers sell tickets and accommodation to thousands of fans, including those in Ecuador. Any late changes to the schedule could significantly complicate the logistics and the entire planning of the group which also involves the Netherlands and Senegal.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1663342573labto1663342573ofdlr1663342573owedi1663342573sni@w1663342573ahsra1663342573w.wer1663342573dna1663342573
By Andrew Warshaw
September 16 - FIFA is reportedly set to decide whether Ecuador should be kicked out of the World Cup in a case that could lead to significant complications for the November tournament.
Chile's protracted appeal against Ecuador's participation, arguing that their South American counterparts should be expelled for fielding an ineligible player in qualifying, was heard on Thursday with a verdict said to be imminent.
Chile argues that the eight games Byron Castillo (pictured) played in World Cup qualifiers should have the results attributed to Ecuador's opponents. This would mean that Chile would then qualify for Qatar rather than Ecuador.
Chile had accused FIFA of dragging their feet, arguing that if the decision went against them - which seems likely since FIFA's Appeals Committee rarely overturns a decision of its disciplinary panel - they will not wouldn't have time before the start of the World Cup to go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport
There are just nine weeks left until the start of the 32-team World Cup and the matter is hugely important as Ecuador are set to take center stage against hosts Qatar on the new matchday. opening of the tournament, November 20.
The appeal hearing apparently took place remotely with only the three judges present. However, whatever the final judgment, this may not be the end of the saga since the Chilean and Ecuadorian federations could then appeal to the CAS which would have to call an urgent meeting.
Chile claims to have documents proving that Castillo, believed to be born in Colombia, was never eligible to play for Ecuador, and therefore Ecuador should forfeit all eight games. This would lift Chile to fourth place and eliminate Ecuador.
FIFA had asked Castillo to attend Thursday's hearing, but it's unclear if he did.
The case continues as FIFA and organizers sell tickets and accommodation to thousands of fans, including those in Ecuador. Any late changes to the schedule could significantly complicate the logistics and the entire planning of the group which also involves the Netherlands and Senegal.
Contact the author of this story at moc.l1663342573labto1663342573ofdlr1663342573owedi1663342573sni@w1663342573ahsra1663342573w.wer1663342573dna1663342573
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