FIFA takes Macau out of World Cup for refusing to play

Posted June 27, 2019 7:00 am

The Associated Press

ZURICH (AP) - FIFA has removed Macau from qualifying for the 2022 World Cup, sending Sri Lanka to the next round.

The Macau soccer federation refused to send its team to Sri Lanka this month, citing security concerns after terrorist attacks in April. Macau led 1-0 after the first leg.

FIFA says its disciplinary panel ruled Macau must forfeit the second leg 3-0 for failing to play. The Macau federation was also fined 10,000 Swiss francs ($10,000).

Sri Lanka joins a 40-team lineup in the next stage of World Cup qualifying. Eight five-team groups will be drawn on July 17 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Group winners and the four best runners-up advance to a final Asian qualifying round. Four teams then qualify for the World Cup in Qatar while another team can qualify in an intercontinental playoff.

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