FIFA announced today (Wednesday) that it has initiated disciplinary proceedings against Ecuador due to homophobic chants by its fans in the opening game of the World Cup against the host Qatar.
"The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has opened proceedings against the Football Association of Ecuador due to chants by Ecuadorian fans," world soccer's governing body said in a statement, citing Article 13 of its disciplinary code. Potential sanctions include a match without spectators, or a ban from playing in a particular stadium .
There was no immediate response from the Ecuadorian Football Association, but a retweet on social media of photos from the 2-0 win.
LGBT rights have made headlines at the current World Cup, sparking several protests, as homosexuality is illegal in Qatar. In addition, videos released from the same game featured chants from fans around the world, with Ecuador fans chanting "We want beer!" in reference to the controversial ban on alcohol consumption in stadiums.
Ecuador faced possible expulsion from the tournament after Chile complained it had illegally fielded a player during World Cup qualifiers against them, but the case was closed and their hotshot, Byron Castillo, was left out of the squad to avoid further controversy.
Ecuador's next game will be this Friday against the Netherlands, who are with them at the head of Group A, after they beat Senegal 0:2 in the opening game.
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