DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Qatar’s bid to qualify for the 2012 Olympics has taken a hit after FIFA ruled that the Gulf nation had fielded an ineligible player in a qualifying game last November, overturning the initial draw and awarding a 3-0 win to Oman.
Qatar was found guilty of playing midfielder Abdelaziz Hatim, who was given a yellow card against India and got another against South Korea, which should have made him ineligible against Oman.
As a result, Oman now sits second in Group A while Qatar is four points back in third with only 2 points.
Qatar said it plans to appeal FIFA’s ruling. The country is eager to raise it’s soccer profile now that it is hosting the 2022 World Cup.
