The complaint to FIFA that wound up costing Chile a place in Russia
Although it seems incredible, it really did happen. Chile will miss out on next summer's World Cup due to a complaint made to FIFA by their very own Football Federation.
It all goes back to a game between Chile and Bolivia that ended in draw. Following the game, Pizzi's side complained to FIFA that the Bolivians had fielded an ineligible player in the form of Nelson Cabrera. Football's governing body duly investigated and awarded 'La Roja' the victory.
But things didn't end there, as well as the game against Chile, Cabrera had also featured in another game against Peru. This mean that Peru, who had originally lost the game, were also awarded three points.
Now that the final round of fixtures has been completed, it turns out that those three points proved crucial. With them, Peru were able to leapfrog Chile into fifth to qualify for an Inter-Continental play-off against New Zealand next month, whilst the Chileans were eliminated after their defeat at the hands of Brazil.
Had the Chilean FA not complained to FIFA, 'La Roja' would have finished fifth and they would be the ones set to face off with Oceania's champions.
Football never ceases to amaze. Perhaps Chile will think twice next time they go crying to FIFA...