Qatar loses Oman game on ruling
Updated: February 1, 2012, 10:13 AM ET
Associated Press
DOHA, Qatar -- 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 its soccer profile now that it is hosting the 2022 World Cup.
Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press
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