TUNISIA could be EXCLUDED from next month’s World Cup if their government interferes in footballing matters, FIFA have revealed.
The member federations within Fifa are required to be free from legal and political interference.
But, according to BBC Sport, football’s world governing body have become concerned by comments from Tunisia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Kamel Deguiche, who has spoken about the idea of “dissolving federal bureaux”.
And a letter from Kenny Jean-Marie, Fifa’s director of member associations, to FTF general secretary Wajdi Aouadi, clarified the possible repercussions for Tunisia.
It read: “Any failure to comply with these obligations may result in the imposition of penalties under the Fifa laws, including suspension of the relevant association.”
It adds that all members of Fifa are “legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties”, with Jean-Marie also calling for an explanation regarding Aouardi’s recent comments.
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A deadline of Friday has been set for Tunisia to respond.
The African side are due to kick off their World Cup campaign against Denmark on November 22.
They have also been drawn alongside Australia and reigning world champions France in Group D.
Fifa’s stance on government interference has already been brought to the attention of member federations in recent times through the suspension of Kenya and Zimbabwe.
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India were also banned in August due to “undue influence from third parties”, although their suspension was lifted just weeks later.
The World Cup gets underway on November 20 when Qatar take on Ecuador.
Tunisia have never progressed beyond the group stage of the competition – which they have qualified for six times.
Their last appearance came in 2018 when they lost to England and Belgium, before beating Panama.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
