Spain could be kicked out of 2018 World Cup after FIFA write to Spanish football federation warning them about political interference
- FIFA have warned the Spanish football federation against political interference
- Spanish football federation are seeking a new permanent president to take over
- Angel Maria Villar resigned from the role after his arrest on corruption charges
- Interim chief Juan Luis Larrea has been in charge since Villar's arrest back in July
Spain's involvement at the 2018 World Cup is under threat after FIFA warned the Spanish football federation against political interference.
FIFA
has informed the Spanish football federation (RFEF) that continued
involvement from Spain's government in the upcoming election for RFEF
president could see them banned from the World Cup next summer.
Spanish
football has been led by interim president Juan Luis Larrea since July,
when former chief Angel Maria Villar was forced to step down on
corruption charges.
Spain face possible expulsion from the 2018 World Cup in Russia by governing body FIFA
While
proposals for the new election have yet to be delivered, the Spanish
government's National Sports Council have made contact with the RFEF
over the eventual vote for Villar's permanent successor.
According to Spanish outlet El Pais, FIFA would rule any involvement the Spanish government has in the election as political interference.
FIFA
can suspend any the membership of any national team if their football
association is ruled to be influenced by political pressure.
Rules
state that: 'Each member must manage their affairs independently and
ensure that there is no interference by third parties in their affairs.'
Angel Maria Villar resigned from his position as RFEF president after his arrest back in July
Juan Luis Larrea has been in interim charge of RFEF since Villar's arrest on corruption charges
Villar
stepped down from the role after being arrested on corruption charges
back in July. along with his son and three other RFEF executives. The
allegations related to collusion, embezzlement and falsifying of
documents.
The former Spain player also
resigned from his position as UEFA vice-president and FIFA executive
vice-president, where he was essentially second in command behind Gianni
Infantino.
The Spanish government
want the RFEF to hold an election to officially end Villar's reign and
to rebuild the reputation of the tarnished football federation.
Then-FIFA
president Sepp Blatter previously threatened to ban Spain from Euro
2008, a tournament they went on to win, when the Spanish government was
accused of interfering in the election process.
Spain are among the favourites to lift the World Cup in Russia at next summer's tournament
Spain have been drawn into Group B for the World Cup featuring Portugal, Morocco and Iran
Blatter
had accused the Spanish government of influencing the presidential
election by ordering for it to be held in advance of the 2008 Beijing
Olympics.
Villar, who was midway
through his first spell as RFEF president, filed an injunction against
the government order from Spain's sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky.
FIFA eventually permitted Spain to compete.
The current Spanish national team are among the favourites to win the 2018 World Cup after an impressive qualification campaign.
Spain
have been drawn with Portugal, Morocco and Iran in Group B after
finishing top of their World Cup qualification group with nine wins from
10 games.
