FIFA rejects Chile's appeal and confirms Ecuador's presence at World Cup

"After analyzing the documentation received from the parties and holding the corresponding hearing, the Appeals Committee ratified the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and closed the investigation of the case initiated against the Ecuadorian federation", reads a FIFA statement.

On Thursday, the Chilean federation officially filed an appeal against the decision to keep Ecuador in the 2022 World Cup, claiming to have new evidence of the irregular use of Byron Castillo during the qualifying phase, claiming that the player has Colombian nationality.

"Based on the documentation received, among other considerations, it was estimated that the player must be considered a permanent holder of Ecuadorian nationality, in accordance with article 5, section 1 of the Regulations for the Application of the FIFA Statutes", explained the organization that governs world football.

With this decision, the Chilean federation may also appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.