The Ecuadorian Football Federation issued a statement following Chile's complaint about Byron Castillo.

Hours after learning about the complaint from the Chilean Football Federation to FIFA regarding Byron Castillo's nationality, the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) issued an official statement rejecting the version from the neighboring country that the player has Colombian nationality.

"In the face of unfounded rumors spread to the public opinion, with the clear objective of destabilizing the Ecuadorian Football Federation, through this statement we categorically reject any attempt by those who seek to prevent their participation in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which was legitimately obtained on the field, respecting all the principles and values that emanate from the sport, as well as all the legal norms in force in Ecuadorian stadiums and international sports law", was the FEF's initial statement.

The Ecuadorian entity reiterated that Byron Castillo, who participated in eight matches for the 'Tricolor' in the Qualifiers for Qatar 2022, has all the necessary documents in order.

"Regarding our national team player, Mr. Byron Castillo, we must be emphatic that the player is an Ecuadorian citizen for all legal purposes, both in the civil and sports spheres, being duly registered with the competent national authority and having all the necessary national documentation in order", stated the organization.

The Ecuadorian Federation clarified that "each and every one of the player call-ups made by our federation for its different national teams are carried out in strict compliance with the current legal regulations and with the documentation that proves the Ecuadorian nationality of the players".

Finally, the organization expressed its willingness to present any type of evidence to FIFA or any other body to demonstrate that "we have acted in a legal manner and that our deserving qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is the result of it".