Ecuador could be kicked out of the 2022 World Cup after allegedly faking passports

Ecuador’s participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be at risk. The country has faced accusations from faking passports and identities which were covered up by the Ecuador Football Federation [FEF]. 

New evidence obtained by Sportsmail suggested that Byron Castillo was indeed born in Colombia. As a result, the player admitted to using a fake passport and leaving Colombia to pursue a football career across the border.

Ecuador run risk of being kicked out of the 2022 World Cup 

The news comes only days before the Appeals Commission are set to pass their verdict on the matter. The right-back made eight appearances for the Ecuadorian national team during the World Cup qualifying phase, and he was the main reason behind FIFA’s inquiry into the matter. 

In an interview that was carried out in 2018, the player himself admits to having being born in Colombia in 1995, while his ID reads 1998. The doubts over Castillo’s identity first emerged in 2015 when his proposed transfer between two Ecuadorian clubs Norteamerica and Club Emelec collapsed due to ‘irregularities’ in his documentation.

Tournament hosts Qatar and England included with them in the group stages, and their matches could be at risk with the latest developments. However, the final verdict will be known on Thursday as as to whether they will be allowed to play in the World Cup.