After the final hearing of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Appeals Committee, it was finally ruled that the Chilean Football Federation's appeal request was not accepted, confirming that the Ecuadorian national team is eligible to participate in the final week of the World Cup, and therefore the World Cup's opening match on November 21 will continue to be Qatar versus Ecuador.
Previously, the Chilean Football Federation had challenged the nationality of Ecuadorian player Castillo, arguing that he had Colombian citizenship and had irregularly represented Ecuador in the World Cup's out-of-competition matches, arguing for the disqualification of Ecuador from the final week.
FIFA had urgently requested Castillo's presence at the hearing after new evidence came to light, but Leon, the Mexican Superliga team he plays for, refused to release him on the grounds that he had not been officially notified.
After carefully reviewing all the documents, the FIFA Appeals Committee held a hearing and upheld the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, concluding its investigation into the incident. In accordance with article 5, paragraph 1, of the applicable regulations of the FIFA Statutes, the Committee found that Castillo had permanent Ecuadorian nationality and was therefore eligible to participate.
Although the Chilean Football Federation's appeal was rejected, they still have the right to request a further appeal to the International Court of Arbitration for Sport.
