In early 2022, Chile filed a claim that Ecuador secured a place in the World Cup using an ineligible player.
Chile stated that Ecuador added a total of six points against Chile in games where player Byron Castillo appeared. However, during the summer, FIFA rejected Chile’s claims. Consequently, Ecuador retained its place in the World Cup, while Chile appealed the decision before Qatar 2022.
Ahead of Thursday’s appeal meeting hearing held by FIFA, the British newspaper The Daily Mail has published new evidence. Surprisingly, this information comes to light a few days before the official ruling on the Byron Castillo case. It seems likely that the new revelations reported by the newspaper are part of the deliberations.
Most of the issues come down to documentation, an issue first raised when Castillo attempted to transfer between two Ecuadorian clubs. The transfer collapsed due to ‘irregularities’ in the documentation. In fact, one of the clubs involved in the transfer was suspended for profiting from the players’ falsified documents.
Those issues could be haunting Castillo and Ecuador again.
The World Cup in Ecuador dreams in the air
The biggest piece of evidence to come to light in recent days is an interview Castillo had four years ago. In the interview, the player does indeed give a confession about forging documents on him. Although Ecuador claims that he is an Ecuadorian citizen, his documents and confession establish that he was born in Tumaco, Colombia. Also, while previous documents stated that he was born in 1998, this new confession has Castillo saying that he was born in 1995.
Chile managed to find both a baptism record with the name of Castillo. In addition, he verified Castillo’s birth certificate in the Colombian registry. Castillo’s possible forged birth certificate for Ecuador was not recognized by the country’s civil registry.
Also, note that Ecuador claims that it conducted an investigation and found nothing wrong. FIFA’s findings would call into question the entire Ecuadorian Football Association. The recording of Castillo’s interview plus the findings on the documents could cause considerable damage.
Chile to the World Cup?
The reason why Chile is the one leading this investigation is because Chile would receive a pair of 3-0 wins if FIFA considers that to be the verdict. The resulting points and goal difference would see Chile move from seventh place in CONMEBOL World Cup qualification to fourth place. That’s good enough for a guaranteed place in the Qatar World Cup group stage.
Adding to the drama is the fact that Ecuador is set to play in the opening World Cup. Ecuador would face the hosts, Qatar, on November 20 at 2 pm ET on FOX. However, if this doesn’t hold up, FIFA must decide whether Chile simply takes that place or another team fills the void.
PHOTO: IMAGO / Photosport
