Syria disqualified from 2014 World Cup

Syria disqualified from 2014 World Cup

Published Aug. 19, 2011 5:04 p.m. ET

Syria was thrown out of the qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup on Friday after fielding an ineligible player. FIFA reinstated Tajikistan in its place.

Despite previously representing Sweden, striker George Mourad played in last month's qualifier against Tajikistan, scoring in the first leg as Syria won 6-1 on aggregate.

Tajikistan will take Syria's place in Group C of Asia qualifying along with Japan, Uzbekistan and North Korea.

Mourad played for Sweden in qualifying for the 2003 Under-21 European Championship and featured in friendlies for the country's senior side in 2005.

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