FIFA have begun an investigation into allegations that Ecuador fans were engaging in homophobic chanting during the country's 2-0 win over Qatar in Sunday's World Cup opener.
Football's governing body announced late on Tuesday that Ecuador were under investigation for allegedly being in breach of article 13 of their disciplinary code which relates to discriminatory chanting.
“The FIFA disciplinary committee has opened proceedings against the Ecuadoran Football Association due to chants by Ecuadoran supporters during the Qatar vs Ecuador FIFA World Cup match played on 20 November,” read FIFA's statement.
The chant in question is believed to be in relation to an incident involving Chile and Ecuador. Chile initiated legal proceedings against Ecuador due to Ecuador fielding an ineligible player during World Cup qualifiers.
Chile campaigned to replace Ecuador in the tournament but were unsuccessful. In the end, Ecuador were fined and have been handed a points deduction that will be in place for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The player in question - Byron Castillo of Mexican club Léon - is not a part of Ecuador's World Cup squad.
No timeframe has been given for when the investigation will be complete. Any punishment handed to the Ecuadorian FA is likely to be a fine and is unlikely to impact the players.
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