Ethiopia have been sanctioned by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier against Botswana, losing all three points of their 2-1 win. The president of the Ethiopia Football Federation admitted nearly two weeks ago using the suspended Minyahil Beyene, who picked up two yellow cards in a previous match, in the June 8 fixture. Now Ethiopia will have to forfeit the game's points as Botswana have been announced 3-0 winners in addition to a $ 6,300 fine over the 'Walia Antelopes'. Even so, Ethiopia - who initially thought they have qualified for the final stage - remain on top of Group A two points ahead of South Africa before going into the final round in September. A similar incident also saw Togo field another ineligible player in midfielder Alexis Romao in the 2-0 win over Cameroon in Group I on June 9, but FIFA has yet to announce any sanctions against them. Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia and Algeria have already booked their places in the final qualifiers which will see the ten group leaders contest in the two-legged playoffs.
