FIFA World Cup 2022
Seven times countries have been barred from participating in the FIFA World Cup
Seven countries that have been barred from competing in FIFA World Cup.
Following Ecuador’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup, the Chilean Football Association filed an official complaint with FIFA in April, alleging that Byron Castillo used a forged birth certificate and was an illegal immigrant. According to the Chilean FA, Castillo was born in Colombia in 1995, rather than Ecuador in 1998, as stated in his documents.
According to the Daily Mail, a report has been published that proves Castillo was indeed Colombian. As a result, Ecuador may be barred from competing in the World Cup, which begins in November. With Ecuador set to exit the tournament early, we take a look back at seven other countries that have been barred from competing in football’s most prestigious tournament.
Germany and Japan- 1950 World Cup
Germany-Japan (Image Source: Twitter)
Following the cancellation of the World Cup in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II, the tournament returned in 1950. However, due to the outcome of World War II, Germany and Japan were not permitted to participate.
Uruguay won, with Brazil coming in second, Sweden third, and Spain fourth.
South Africa- 1970 – 1990 World Cups
South Africa (Image Source: Twitter)
During South Africa’s racial segregation, they faced numerous international boycotts. FIFA had suspended them in 1963 and then expelled them in 1976.
South Africa was the last African country to host the tournament, having done so in 2010.
Mexico – 1990 World Cup
Mexico (Image Source: Twitter)
FIFA banned Mexico for two years after they fielded four players who were over the age limit. The incident occurred during the world junior tournament’s qualifying round.
West Germany won the World Cup in 1990, defeating Argentina in the final. Italy and England came in third and fourth place, respectively.
Chile- 1994 World Cup
Chile (Image Source: Twitter)
During a match against Brazil in 1989, Chilean goalkeeper Roberto Rojas pretended to be injured by a flare thrown by a fan.
In reality, he cut himself with a hidden blade in his glove. As a result, FIFA barred Chile from the 1994 World Cup. Rojas was sentenced to a lifetime ban.
Myanmar- 2006 World Cup
Myanmar (Image Source: Twitter)
Myanmar withdrew from a World Cup qualifying match scheduled to be played in Iran in 2002.
FIFA fined them $23,500 and barred them from competing in the 2006 tournament, which was held in Germany.
Russia- 2022 World Cup
Russia (Image Source: Twitter)
Many countries around the world condemned Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
FIFA decided that Russia’s football team would be barred from competing in the Qatar World Cup. The first match of the 2022 World Cup will take place on November 20.
