Fifa unable to shake off Qatar Brazilian controversy

Bangkok: Soccer's world governing body Fifa has found itself tangled in a legal mess after the authority absolved Qatar of any blame for fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier.

Fifa's apparent flouting of its own rules has sparked cries of condemnation after a naturalised Brazilian named Emerson, who had already represented his birth country at youth level, played for the Gulf state in their 2-0 win over Iraq in March.

Fifa's rules state anyone who has played for one country cannot represent another. Despite the breach, Qatar progressed to the final round of Asian qualifying at Iraq's expense, denying the surprise Asian champions a chance to reach their first World Cup in 24 years.

"The result of that match should be nullified," Iraqi soccer president Hussain Saeed told Reuters recently.

Strong case

The issue is now with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and Iraq's lawyers believe they have a strong case.

Article 55 FDC of Fifa's competition rules states that any team "found guilty of fielding an ineligible player shall forfeit the match in question" and "victory and the resultant 3 points will be awarded to the opposing team."

Those three points would have put Iraq, not Qatar, in the next round.

Emerson, who was arrested in 2006 by Brazilian police for falsifying his age in his passport, has since been banned by Fifa but the Qatari federation was cleared of any wrongdoing.

Fifa said the Gulf state was unaware Emerson had represented Brazil under his former name, Marcio Passos De Albuquerque. Iraq twice protested the decision but Fifa rejected their appeal, citing late submission of documents and fees.

Top Qatari federation officials and members of its legal team did not respond when contacted.