The Republic of Ireland have plummetted to an all-time low of 59th place in the latest FIFA world rankings.

Following the world cup qualifier defeats to Sweden and Austria, Ireland have now dropped 15 places as the FAI begin the search for a successor to Giovanni Trapattoni.

The drop in seeding leaves Ireland behind the likes of the Cape Verde, Panama, Armenia and Uzbekistan in the world rankings. However one must note that FIFA rankings are not wholly indicative of a country's true ranking.

Cape Verde had qualified for the African play-offs for the World Cup but were thrown out today.

They have been found to have fielded a player who should have been suspended in their win over Tunisia at the weekend. They are one of many African nations that have either been kicked out or had points deducted for the same offence during the qualifiers.

The Tunisians now take their place among the ten countries competing for five spots in Brazil.

Meanwhile England have fallen to their lowest position in the FIFA World Rankings in 12 years.

They are now 17th, a drop of three places, after the draw with Ukraine in the World Cup qualifiers.

Wales are 52nd and Scotland are now 63rd. But Northern Ireland rise 23 places to 86th, despite their defeat by Luxembourg.

World and European champions Spain currently lead Argentina in the rankings, with Germany and Italy in third and fourth.

Two emerging powers, Colombia and Belgium, are fifth and sixth respectively ahead of Uruguay. Brazil, Netherlands and Croatia round out the Top 10. France are just 25th, three behind our conquerers on Friday, Sweden.