LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) Former France winger Florent Malouda has lost his appeal against being ruled ineligible to play for French Guiana at the 2017 Gold Cup.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport says its judges dismissed Malouda’s appeal against North American soccer body CONCACAF.
French Guiana fielded Malouda in a 0-0 draw against Honduras last July despite being told he was not eligible. CONCACAF awarded a 3-0 win to Honduras and suspended Malouda.
The Gold Cup uses FIFA eligibility rules which bar players from transferring allegiance after playing a competitive game for one country.
Malouda played 80 times for France including a 2006 World Cup final loss against Italy.
The French Guiana soccer federation hoped Malouda, now aged 37, could play in the Gold Cup because it is not a FIFA member.