French Guiana, an overseas territory of France, were in breach of FIFA rules by playing Malouda, who was capped 80 times by France.

World football's governing body prohibit players from switching nationalities once they have featured in a competitive international.

The tournament minnows pulled off a shock result by earning a point in their match with Honduras, who have qualified for three World Cups, at the BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston.

The result could now be forfeited though, as the standard sanction in such cases is to award the other team a 3-0 win.

Malouda, who was born in French Guiana, represented the regional team at the Caribbean Cup last month but was not selected for their Gold Cup opener against Canada, which they lost 4-2.

The 37-year-old, who played in the 2006 World Cup final and currently plays for Indian Super League team Delhi Dynamos, was not eligible to feature in the Gold Cup as it is held under FIFA rules.

French Guiana are not a member of world football's governing body.

The Caribbean Cup is sanctioned by the CONCACAF, of which French Guiana are a member.

"In regards to the election of the French Guiana national team to field player Florent Malouda in this evening's Gold Cup match against the Honduras national team, and in line with the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2017 regulations which are governed by FIFA regulations pertaining to player eligibility, the matter has been referred to the CONCACAF Gold Cup Disciplinary Committee," a CONCACAF statement read.

"The Disciplinary Committee will review the case and render its decision in due time."

In the other match in Group A, Canada drew 1-1 with Costa Rica.

Alphonso Davies scored his third goal of the tournament to give Canada the lead in the 26th minute before Francisco Calvo headed home the equaliser three minutes before half-time.

Canada, who are top of the group, and Costa Rica both have four points from their opening two matches.