CAS to hear Chile appeal over Ecuador World Cup player on Nov 4 and 5 - source

World governing body FIFA earlier this month dismissed an appeal in the case of Ecuadorean player Byron Castillo, who Chile had alleged was ineligible to play in qualifying since he was born in Colombia.

FILE PHOTO: Ecuadorean player Byron Castillo.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear the Chilean football federation’s appeal on November 4 and 5 against the decision by FIFA to allow Ecuador to play at the World Cup, a source close to the case told Reuters on Thursday.

World governing body FIFA earlier this month dismissed an appeal in the case of Ecuadorean player Byron Castillo, who Chile had alleged was ineligible to play in qualifying since he was born in Colombia.

Castillo played in eight of Ecuador’s qualifying games - including twice against Chile - for the Qatar World Cup as it took fourth place, while Chile finished seventh. Ecuador has denied that the player was ineligible.

The source added that Castillo has been asked to appear at the hearing, which will include arguments by the Peruvian football federation, who also lodged an appeal following FIFA’s decision.

Peru finished fifth in South American qualifying, missing out on the last automatic spot for Qatar.

Reuters has reached out to CAS for comment. FIFA declined to comment.

A decision is expected by November 10, days before the World Cup kicks off on November 20 with Ecuador scheduled to take on host Qatar.