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Fifa rejects Costa Rica appeal over World Cup loss to USA in snowstorm Fifa rejects Costa Rica appeal over World Cup loss to USA in snowstorm
(6 months later)
Fifa has dismissed Costa Rica's protest against losing 1-0 to the United States in a World Cup qualifying match that was played in a snowstorm, because it was not filed correctly. "Therefore, the result of the match played on March 22 stands and is considered as valid," Fifa said on Tuesday in a statement.Fifa has dismissed Costa Rica's protest against losing 1-0 to the United States in a World Cup qualifying match that was played in a snowstorm, because it was not filed correctly. "Therefore, the result of the match played on March 22 stands and is considered as valid," Fifa said on Tuesday in a statement.
The world governing body referred to a clause in its 2014 World Cup Regulations, which Costa Rica had to fulfill to force a replay of last Friday's match in Commerce City, Colorado. The Costa Rica delegation could have complained about the field in writing to the match referee, Joel Aguilar of El Salvador, before kick-off. Their team captain, Bryan Ruiz, was required to "immediately lodge a protest" with the referee if he believed the field became unplayable during the match. The US captain, Clint Dempsey, also needed to be present for such a protest. Post-match protests must also be filed in writing to Fifa's administration "no later than two hours after the match", the regulations state.The world governing body referred to a clause in its 2014 World Cup Regulations, which Costa Rica had to fulfill to force a replay of last Friday's match in Commerce City, Colorado. The Costa Rica delegation could have complained about the field in writing to the match referee, Joel Aguilar of El Salvador, before kick-off. Their team captain, Bryan Ruiz, was required to "immediately lodge a protest" with the referee if he believed the field became unplayable during the match. The US captain, Clint Dempsey, also needed to be present for such a protest. Post-match protests must also be filed in writing to Fifa's administration "no later than two hours after the match", the regulations state.
"Fifa received a letter via email and fax from the Costa Rica FA on March 24 with regards to the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier played on March 22 between USA and Costa Rica," Fifa said. "The conditions established in the regulations for an official protest have not been met by the Costa Rica FA.""Fifa received a letter via email and fax from the Costa Rica FA on March 24 with regards to the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier played on March 22 between USA and Costa Rica," Fifa said. "The conditions established in the regulations for an official protest have not been met by the Costa Rica FA."
Costa Rican officials issued a statement on Sunday, saying the match "went against the sporting spectacle [and] the physical integrity of the officials and players."Costa Rican officials issued a statement on Sunday, saying the match "went against the sporting spectacle [and] the physical integrity of the officials and players."
Grounds staff cleared snow during the match to keep play going. Dempsey scored the only goal in the 16th minute.Grounds staff cleared snow during the match to keep play going. Dempsey scored the only goal in the 16th minute.
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