November 24 – FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Ecuador over homophobic chanting by their fans in their World Cup opener against hosts Qatar.
The chanting was in response to Chile’s unsuccessful protest that Ecuador should have been thrown out of the tournament for fielding an ineligible player during the qualifiers.
Although Chile’s appeal failed, Ecuador were fined and received a points deduction for the next World Cup qualifiers for 2026. The player in question, Byron Castillo, was left out of the current squad to avoid further controversy.
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Ecuadorean Football Association due to chants by Ecuadorean supporters,” world football’s governing body said in a statement late on Tuesday, citing article 13 of its disciplinary code.
Potential sanctions in the code include playing a match behind closed doors or a ban on playing in a particular stadium.
Ecuador fans also drew global attention to their chants in Spanish of “we want beer” during the team’s 2-0 win at Al Bayt Stadium. It was a reference to FIFA and Qatari organizers banning the sale of alcohol at stadiums.
There was no immediate response from Ecuador’s football federation.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee says it has also started proceedings against Mexico without giving details about alleged chanting during their 0-0 draw with Poland on Tuesday.
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