New Zealand Football is challenging a decision which resulted in New Zealand’s Under 23 football team missing out on an Olympic berth.
Just hours before New Zealand was due to play in yesterday’s Olympic qualifier final in Papua New Guinea, the Oceania Football Confederation upheld Vanuatu’s protest against the involvement of South African born Deklan Wynne.
Wynne, who was not born in New Zealand and does not have a New Zealand parent or grandparent, would have to have lived in New Zealand for five years from the age of 18 to be eligible.
As a result New Zealand was kicked out of the tournament and the Olympic Qualifying final took place between Fiji and Vanuatu.
It was earlier reported that Wynne was an over-aged player.
Fiji will represent the Oceania region at next year's Rio Olympics after beating Vanuatu 4-3 on penalties.
New Zealand Football said it was not aware of the disciplinary hearing and was told the matter was being referred to FIFA.
They are now working with their lawyers to contest the committee’s decision.
