Equatorial Guinea punished for fielding ineligible player

Equatorial Guinea’s hopes of reaching next year’s FIFA World Cup have ended after they were docked points for fielding an ineligible player.

Emilio Nsue Lopez was named in their side for their 2-1 qualifying win over the Cape Verde Islands on June 8, and this result has now been forfeited with a 3-0 victory being awarded to their opponents.

Consequently, the country can no longer qualify from Group B in the African first qualification phase.

Following their decision, FIFA released a statement reading: “The match between Cape Verde Islands and Equatorial Guinea played on 8 June 2013 was declared a 3-0 forfeit victory for Cape Verde Islands, with FEGUIFUT also receiving a fine of CHF 30,000 after the FIFA Disciplinary Committee considered the association liable for the breach of art. 55 par. 1 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and art. 8 of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Regulations.”

This represents the second time Equatorial Guinea have fielded Nsue Lopez against the same opponents in their qualifying campaign.

And FIFA also confirmed on Friday it has upheld its decion to award Cape Verde a 3-0 win for their first indiscretion, which took place on March 24.

Equatorial Guinea appealed the initial punishment but the governing body have rejected this and also issued them with a 12,000 CHF fine.