Cape Verde, who could have been the smallest nation to have ever taken part in the World Cup, have been thrown out of the African qualification play-offs for fielding an ineligible player. The tiny Islands, situated off the west coast of Africa, had upset the odds when they beat Tunisia 2-0 in Tunis, but they will now relinquish their place to the side they had knocked out in spectacular fashion. The irony comes after Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul resigned in the wake of the embarrassing defeat, but his former side will now be entered into the 10-team draw on Monday to decide the final play-off matches, with the winners qualifying for next summer’s tournament. Defender Fernando Varela was ineligible for the weekend clash having been sent off in a previous qualifier in March. As a result, the match has been forfeited with a 3-0 scoreline going in favour of Tunisia, Fifa clarified in a statement. The result means they finish top of Groub B ahead of the Cape Verdians, and will contest the two-legged playoff in October and November. Cape Verde have also been fined £4075 after a Fifa disciplinary committee meeting.
Posted on: Thu, 12 Sep 2013 15:30:15 +0000
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