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FIFA likely to boot out Spain
Spain’s participation at the 2018 World Cup in Russia could be under threat after FIFA raised concerns about political interference within the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Barcelona: Spain’s participation at the 2018 World Cup in Russia could be under threat after FIFA raised concerns about political interference within the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).
Soccer`s governing body has warned the RFEF that the Spanish government`s involvement in the election for the football federation`s new president could lead to them being expelled from next year`s World Cup.
The RFEF is led by Juan Luis Larrea on an interim basis after former president Angel Maria Villar was forced to step down on corruption charges.
"We can confirm that FIFA recently sent a letter to the RFEF showing its concern with the situation the federation is in and reminding it that... all member associations should manage their affairs independently," FIFA said in a statement on Friday.
"All associations must be assured that there is no outside interference from third parties in its internal affairs. FIFA is in contact with the RFEF and in the next few weeks a delegation of FIFA and UEFA members will travel to Madrid to analyse the situation the RFEF is in."
Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that FIFA`s concerns centre around the government`s sports department pushing to hold new federation elections.A statement from the RFEF said its president Larrea had discussed the situation with FIFA members at the World Cup draw on December 1.
"The RFEF passed on these (FIFA`s) concerns to the minister for sport and is expecting to organise a meeting on the matter. The RFEF wants everything to return to normal, that has always been the main objective of the current board of directors.
Spain captain and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, speaking ahead of the Club World Cup final in Abu Dhabi, added: "I cannot believe that Spain could lose what we have worked so hard for on the pitch due to an institutional dispute, I struggle to believe that."
Spain`s PM Mariano Rajoy said he was not concerned by the suggestion his country would be barred from competing in the World Cup.
