Wynne lose with Kiwis out of Olympics
SOUTH African-born Deklan Wynne is at the centre of a storm after his appearance for New Zealand’s side in the Pacific Games under-23 tournament.
This led to the Kiwis being booted from the competition and out of the running for the Olympic Games.
Given their strength at this level, it was almost certain that New Zealand would have claimed victory in the final of the qualification tournament had they not been disqualified after their semifinal with Vanuatu.
Instead, it is Fiji who have booked their place in Rio de Janeiro next year in what will be a shock appearance for the islanders.
Wynne was born in Cape Town but moved to New Zealand as a child. He has already played three times for the senior national team, but it appears as though he should never have got those caps in what was a spectacular bungle from the New Zealand Football Association and, you would have to say, Fifa.
The rules for eligibility state that any player born outside the country and who does not have a parent or grandparent from that country, must have lived there for five years after the age of 18.
As Wynne is 20 years old, he clearly does not qualify for New Zealand despite also playing seven times for their under-20 side.
The New Zealanders say they will appeal against the ruling and challenge it with Fifa, but they do not appear to have a leg to stand on. Their argument is, essentially, that the error should have been picked up much earlier on, either by organisers of the Pacific Games under-23 tournament or Fifa themselves.
That rings hollow, though, as the rules are quite clear and unequivocal, though Fifa must also shoulder some of the blame for allowing the player to make as many international appearances as he did without his non-eligibility being noticed.
Fiji defeated Vanuatu 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in the Pacific Games under-23 tournament final and are the first team from their region outside of Australia and New Zealand to qualify for the Olympics.