Audio By Carbonatix
Ethiopia have been docked three points in the 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign after fielding suspended midfielder Manyahile Beyene against Botswana last month, FIFA said on Monday.
"The match is declared to be forfeited and awarded 3-0 in favour of
Botswana," world football's governing body said in a statement, adding that the Ethiopian Football Federation had also been fined 6,000 Swiss francs (4,880 euros, $6,345).
FIFA said the sanction related to Ethiopia's decision to play Beyene in their June 8 match away to Botswana.
Beyene had received an automatic one-match suspension after picking up
cautions in Ethiopia's Group A games away to South Africa and at home against Botswana. Ethiopia admitted the offence last month.
Despite being docked three points, Ethiopia's hopes of earning a berth at next year's World Cup finals in Brazil will remain alive, as they still lead South Africa by two points and Botswana by three with an away fixture against the Central African Republic to come.
But the ruling is good news for eliminated Group A rivals South Africa and Botswana, who are back in contention for first place and a ticket to the five-tie African play-offs.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Kantamanto Market traders get reduced GHC100 operating permit from AMA for 2026
2 minutes -
Rotary Club of Accra-Odadee AOGA marks 2nd anniversary with donations to mothers, hospitals
11 minutes -
Today’s Front pages: Monday, May 25, 2026
27 minutes -
Afoko to NPP MPs: Let’s return the party to winning ways
51 minutes -
Djokovic shakes off rust to sidestep Mpetshi Perricard
1 hour -
Nigeria’s Tinubu to run for second term after party primary win
1 hour -
Benin’s Wadagni takes office, vows better living standards, security
1 hour -
BoG awaits legal advice on next steps after court orders restoration of GN Savings and Loans licence
2 hours -
South Africa: First batch of Ghanaians set to arrive on Wednesday – Ghana’s envoy confirms
2 hours -
The Eagles of Carthage: Discipline, defiance, and a defining moment
2 hours -
Rubio says US will find ‘another way’ if Iran talks fail
2 hours -
China’s Huawei reveals chip design breakthrough amid US sanctions
2 hours -
NPL threat looms over Ghana’s banking sector – IMF demands stronger action
2 hours -
Ghana Horticulture Expo 2026 to champion agricultural self-reliance through innovation
3 hours -
Banking reforms incomplete, state-owned banks under watch – IMF Warns
3 hours