His prayer is valid, as was stated by al-Shaafa’i. 
 This applies whether he was further ahead of the imaam or behind him.
From Fatawa al-Imam al-Nawawi, p. 58.
But it is not permissible to deliberately stand in a place in front of 
 the imaam. And Allaah knows best.

Congregational Prayer

Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

Congregational Prayer & Rulings on Leading the Prayer

A person was not
    sure whether he was in front of the imaam. What is the ruling?

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A person was not sure whether he was in front of the imaam. What is the ruling?