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ZURICH (AP) — FIFA has rejected the Bolivian soccer federation's appeal against forfeiting two World Cup qualifying matches for fielding an ineligible player.
FIFA says its appeal committee ruling confirms Bolivia's 0-0 draw with Chile and 2-0 win over Peru last September are 3-0 losses by default.
Bolivia fielded Paraguay-born defender Nelson Cabrera as a late substitute in both matches when he was not qualified by FIFA rules to represent his adopted country.
Even without the sanctions, Bolivia would stand ninth in the 10-team South American qualifying group with only an outside chance of advancing.
The Bolivian federation can appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The FIFA appeal committee also upheld a fine of 12,000 Swiss francs ($12,100) imposed on Bolivia.
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