CONFIRMED: Palestine to replace Thailand in Olympic Qualifiers second round


Source: www.the-afc.com


Kuala Lumpur: Palestine will replace Thailand in the second round of Asian qualifiers for the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament 2012 after Thailand had to forfeit the first leg 3-0 for fielding an ineligible player.

Thailand defeated Palestine 1-0 in the first leg on 23 February and won the second leg on penalties (1-1aet; 5-6) on 9 March.

However, Thailand were adjudged by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and FIFA Appeals Committee to have fielded an ineligible player (Sutjarit Jantakol) in the first leg as he was suspended for the match after picking up a one-match suspension for violent conduct in the AFC U-19 Championship in 2008.

The Thailand FA’s appeal was overruled by the FIFA Appeals Committee and the match consequently awarded 0-3 to Palestine, who now qualify for the second round of the qualifying games with an aggregate 4-0 win over Thailand.

Palestine will replace Thailand and play Bahrain in the second round. The first leg takes place on 19 June while the second leg will be played on 23 June.