FIFA rejects Burkina Faso protest

FIFA rejects Burkina Faso protest

Published Nov. 26, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

FIFA has dismissed Burkina Faso's protest that a key player for World Cup playoff opponent Algeria was ineligible.

Burkina Faso sought to replace Algeria in the 32-team World Cup draw in Brazil next week.

Algeria advanced on away goals after the teams were 3-3 on total goals. Algeria captain Madjid Bougherra scored in a 1-0 second-leg victory in Blida, Algeria, last week.

Burkina Faso's soccer federation contends Bougherra should have been suspended for the return leg after his yellow card in the first leg.

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Soccer's governing body says ''no breach of the FIFA regulations has been committed'' by Algerian officials. FIFA also says the ''formal conditions to lodge a protest were not met.''

World Cup regulations require eligibility protests during qualifying to be filed within one hour after matches.

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