Equatorial Guinea’s appeal of a FIFA sanction due to an ineligible player has been rejected, leading to a loss of three points in CAF Group B.

Emilio NSUE, who had previously played for Spain at youth level, played for Eq Guinea in two qualifiers for Brazil 2014, both against Cape Verde Is. Eq Guinea won 4-3 at home on SUN 24 MAR 2013 and lost 2-1 away on SAT 08 JUN 2013, with Nsue scoring a hat trick in the first match.

However, the FIFA ruling leaves both matches as 3-0 forfeit losses, meaning that Cape Verde Is can still catch Tunisia at the top of Group B. The two teams play in Tunisia FRI 06-TUE 10 SEP 2013, with the hosts needing only a draw to advance to the playoffs.

Nsue has an Equatoguinean father and did not play for Spain at the full international level, suggesting he was at least eligible to petition FIFA’s player status committee for a change in nationality. However, FIFA failed to identify the reason for his ineligibility.