1

During yesterday 2018 World Cup's match between Panama and Tunisia, a Polish-speaking sport commentator said that one of these countries (didn't hear exactly which one) had a football match with Cape Verde team which they lost and which was later ruled out as a walkover.

How can an already played match, lost by one of teams, later be declared walkover?

So far (up until yesterday) I was more than sure that a walkover can only happen when -- as name suggests -- one of the teams don't even show up to play the game.

Side question: About exactly which match Polish commentator was talking about?

2
  • 1
    Being a walkover has nothing to do with whether the match counts as legitimate or was played. What you're thinking of, is called a default.
    – Nij
    Commented Jun 29, 2018 at 11:12
  • 4
    It is quite likely that you are talking about a match in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification. You can find more informatin about this specific decision in the linked Wikipedia article. The decision was related to Fernando Varela playing for Cape Verde during his suspension.
    – Martin
    Commented Jun 29, 2018 at 11:14

1 Answer 1

4

Here's what Wikipedia article on the term walkover suggests:

A walkover is the awarding of a victory to a contestant because there are no other contestants or the other contestants have been disqualified or have forfeited.

So,

How can an already played match, lost by one of teams, later be declared walkover?

Easy, if it's later identified that a team fielded an ineligible player, or due to crowd violence, etc.

Side question: About exactly which match Polish commentator was talking about?

As @Martin pointed out in the comments, most probably the commentator was referring to the incident of Fernando Varela playing for Cape Verde against Tunisia during his suspension.

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.