Cape Verde has been disqualified from the 2014 FIFA World Cup play-offs

ZURICH — FIFA has disqualified Cape Verde Islands from the African qualifying playoffs for the World Cup for fielding an ineligible player in a decisive qualifying match, and reinstated Tunisia.

Cape Verde thought it advanced to the final African qualifying round by stunning then-leader Tunisia 2-0 in Rades on Saturday to win the group.

The tiny nation would have entered the 10-team playoffs which decide Africa's five representatives in Brazil next year.

FIFA says its disciplinary committee judged that Cape Verde player Fernando Varela should have been serving a suspension.

Tunisia, which will now enter the playoff draw next Monday, formally complained with FIFA.

Cape Verde, which has a population of just half a million, has never qualified for a World Cup.

Its football association can appeal.