Ecuador could be KICKED OUT of the World Cup ahead of the tournament opener against Qatar

Ecuador could be kicked out of the World Cup just 10 days before they are due to face Qatar in the tournament’s opening game.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has registered appeals by the Chilean and Peruvian federations against a FIFA ruling last month that Ecuador defender Byron Castillo was in fact eligible to play in the eight qualifying games he was selected for.

CAS gave no timetable for appointing judges and organising a hearing, though both parties appealing have asked for a decision by November 10.

Ecuador could be kicked out of the World Cup in Qatar just 10 days before the tournament

Chilean and Peruvian federations dispute the eligibility of Ecuador defender Byron Castillo 

Chile officials claim to have documents proving Castillo is Colombian and that Ecuador should forfeit all eight games he played in as 3-0 losses.

That legal argument was dismissed by FIFA’s disciplinary committee in June and upheld by FIFA appeal judges two weeks ago.

Ecuador finished fourth in the South American qualifying group in March and claimed a direct World Cup entry.

They have appealed FIFA’s ruling that the defender was eligible to feature in eight qualifiers 

Days later they were drawn into Group A with Qatar, Netherlands and Senegal.

If the qualifying games were forfeited, the revised points totals would lift Chile to fourth from seventh.

Peru, meanwhile, were fifth and have asked CAS for Ecuador’s place in the finals as the next-highest placed South American team under the current standings.

Peru lost a play-off to Australia.