The Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed on Friday that it has registered an appeal from the Chilean Football Federation against FIFA's decision to allow Ecuador to participate in the World Cup despite allegations of fielding an ineligible player. Earlier this month, FIFA rejected a challenge regarding Ecuadorian player Byron Castillo, whom Chile claims was not eligible to play in the qualifiers because he was born in Colombia.
Castillo played eight matches for Ecuador in the World Cup qualifiers, including two against Chile. Ecuador finished in fourth place to qualify for the World Cup and will face the host nation Qatar in the opening match, while Chile failed to qualify after finishing seventh.
Ecuador has denied that Castillo was ineligible to represent its national team. The Court of Arbitration for Sport also noted that it accepted an appeal from the Peruvian Football Federation, as Peru finished in fifth place and lost the opportunity for direct qualification before being defeated by Australia in the playoffs.
A decision is expected by November 10, just ten days before the World Cup begins.
