Pacific / Solomon Islands

Sport: Solomon Islands Football Federation sanctioned

13:14 pm on 20 December 2016

The Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) has been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifying match against Tahiti last month.

The Bonitos were initially beaten 1-0 in the Stage 3 clash in Papeete on 7th November but the match has been declared to be forfeited and awarded 3-0 in favour of Tahiti after captain Henry Fa'arodo played for the visitors, failing to serve an automatic one-match suspension imposed on him after receiving two yellow cards in previous internationals.

Solomon Islands goalkeeper Philip Mango was injured during the match in Papeete. Photo: Simone Forges Davazati / Tahiti Football

SIFF have also been fined $6000 Swiss francs ($US5842) after the FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled they breached the FIFA Disciplinary Code and regulations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Solomon Islands won the return fixture in Honiara 1-0 and remain on three points from two matches in Group B.

Papua New Guinea play Tahiti home and away in March with the Solomon Islands next in action against PNG in June.

Tahiti have been awarded a 3-0 victory. Photo: Simone Forges Davazati / Tahiti Football