In November 2008, Moss was handed a 4-match World Cup ban after swearing at referee Lencie Fred in a dead-rubber 2010 World Cup qualification match against Fiji. New Zealand attempted to appeal the length of the ban, but failed to submit their appeal on time. He was replaced by Mark Paston for the two World Cup play-off matches against Bahrain at the end of 2009. Following New Zealand's qualification for the World Cup, the ban meant Moss would miss the opening two group games.