Appeal over ineligible Iraq player rejected by AFC
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Loading...Persianfootball.com – SYDNEY, Iran’s football federation general secretary Mohammad Nabi confirmed Iran’s appeal over the usage of ineligible Alaa Abdul-Zahra has been rejected by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Iraq had eliminated tournament favourites Iran after penalties in quarter-finals on Friday, in highly controversial game during which the previously heavily criticized referee Ben Williams ridiculously suspended Iran’s Mehrad Pooladi in first half.
However, Iran protested to the AFC over Iraq’s usage of midfielder Alaa Abdul-Zahra, who had been convicted of doping whilst playing in Iran on August 24, but left the country, apparently to avoid prosecution.
The case had been passed on to FIFA and reportedly was simply not followed up by the Iraqi FA, who utilized him in the national team ever since.
Iran appealed over Abdul-Zahra playing against Iran, claiming due to utilization of an ineligible player, Iraq should be declared losers.
After two days of assessment, the AFC decided to reject the appeal, 24 hours ahead of the semifinal clash which Iraq will now play against South Korea.
No official reasoning was given yet.
Iran’s IFF are one of the federations with lack of influence in the AFC, led by Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa. The Bahraini took over from Qatari Mohammad Bin Hammam, who had to leave office after being found guilty of corruption.
