Sudan's chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup have been dealt a major blow after the country were stripped of their 2-0 win over Zambia in June and fined $US 6430 for fielding an ineligible player.

A FIFA disciplinary committee found that midfielder Saif Ali should not have played because he had received yellow cards in previous matches against Zambia, including in their African Nations' Cup quarter-finals in February. Sudan fielded him nonetheless.

Zambia were awarded a 3-0 win and now top Group D, while Sudan have fallen to third place after topping the group. Only the group winners go into double-legged play-offs for the World Cup in Brazil.