BEVERLY HILLS, October 23, (THEWILL) – Zambia’s bid to have the World Cup Qualifier against the Super Eagles of Nigeria replayed has failed.
Zambia lost that game by 0 -1 and paved way for Nigeria to top the group and qualify for the 2018 edition of the World Cup in Russia ahead of the Chipolopolo.
Zambia Football Association had requested for a review of the officiating of the game played inside the Uyo Stadium in Akwa Ibom State on October 7, 2017, where their 23rd minute goal was cancelled and ruled as offside by Botswanan referee Joshua Bondo.
Deputy Secretary to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, Julien Deux, in a statement seen by THEWILL said the Zambian FA did not provide sufficient proof to warrant a review of the decision.
“In this context, we refer your association to article 15, paragraph 6 of the regulations of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, which clearly stipulate that no protest may be made about the referee’s decision regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
“Having said that, and for the sake of good order, we would like to emphasise that on the basis of the documentation and information currently in our possession, there is no evidence of any infringement of the applicable regulation by the referees of the match in question,” reads the letter dated October 17.
“In light of the above, please be informed that the Disciplinary Committee will refrain from reviewing the decision taken by the match officials of the above-mentioned match,” FIFA said.
