POLOKWANE, South Africa (AP) — FIFA has turned down a request from France to replace its injured goalkeeper Cedric Carrasso at the World Cup.
Carrasso tore his left hamstring in training on Monday, and the French Football Federation hoped to be able to replace him by asking FIFA for special consideration.
Normally players are not able to replaced once the tournament has started, unless FIFA agrees it is a special case.
FIFA said in a statement Wednesday the request was rejected because it “considered the situation not to be a case of force majeure.”
Carrasso’s injury is expected to keep him out for a month. He was a back-up to France’s first choice Hugo Lloris, with Steve Mandanda the No. 2 in coach Raymond Domenech’s team.
Monaco’s Stephane Ruffier, who has never played for France, was widely tipped to replace Carrasso if FIFA had agreed.
France drew its opening match 0-0 against Uruguay, and will face Mexico on Thursday and host South Africa in its final group game next week.
