In Group A of the Qatar World Cup, Ecuador has recently been embroiled in a maelstrom of controversy over an offending player. Byron Castillo's true identity has been called into question, and there are rumors that Ecuador could be disqualified as a result. FIFA has yet to make a ruling, but if the truth comes out, Ecuador's future is in jeopardy.
The story stems from an exposé in the Colombian media claiming that Byron Castillo may not have been born in Ecuador, and that even the date and name of his birth did not match that of the Colombian-born player. Last year, a new file of documents was compiled in an attempt to prove the player's identity, but instead raised suspicions about his origins.
The 23-year-old Byron Castillo, who plays for Ecuador's SC Barcelona, was selected for the national team last year and played for Ecuador against six teams - Paraguay, Venezuela, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina - in the World Cup qualifiers. If Byron Castillo is not a legitimate player, then Ecuador will face serious consequences.
FIFA rules state that players who violate the rules could face a six- to 12-month suspension, but also state that complaints about the event must be filed within 24 hours of the match. FIFA and CONCACAF have yet to rule on the matter. If Ecuador is indeed disqualified, the most likely replacement would be Peru, ranked fifth in the South American zone, while Colombia, ranked sixth, would play in the intercontinental playoffs.
