Less than a month before the most anticipated football event, FIFA has issued a warning to the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) about its possible expulsion in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar if they found government interference in the organization. According to the world soccer governing body’s rule, member federations should be free of any third-party or government interference.
In the letter sent to FTF’s general secretary Wajdi Aouadi, FIFA requested urgent clarification regarding Tunisia’s Youth and Sports Minister Kamel Deguiche’s statement threatening to “dissolve the federal bureau”, which includes the national football federation. This move is a clear offense to FIFA’s rule. Get the latest fixtures and results of football league championships here!
“In this regard, we would like to remind you that member associations of FIFA are legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties,” FIFA’s director of member associations Kenny Jean-Marie wrote. “Any failure to comply with these obligations may result in the imposition of penalties under the FIFA laws, including suspension of the relevant association.”
Earlier, India was sanctioned with temporary ban of hosting rights for the recently-concluded U-17 FIFA Women’s World Cup after India’s Supreme Court (SC) appointed the Committee of Administrators (CoA) to run the All India Football Federation (AIFF). Kenya and Zimbabwe are also serving suspensions due to governmental interferences in football federations.
If proven guilty, Tunisia’s World Cup berth will end even before the tournament starts, with their place likely to be replaced by the likes of Italy or Nigeria if the governing body chooses to replace Tunisia with a fellow member of the African member association. Italy is the highest-ranked team that did not qualify in the tournament, while Nigeria is the highest-ranked CAF member that failed to qualify.
The Eagles of Carthage are set to face Australia, Denmark, and defending champions France in Group D. This is their second consecutive World Cup and sixth overall as they previously played in the 1978, 1998, 2002, 2006, and 2018 World Cup finals. Tunisia will play against the Euro 2020 semifinalists Denmark in their World Cup opener on November 22.
Exciting games and big wins as you visit 12BET where exclusive promotions await you.
Visit 12BET login and join us to claim exclusive benefits and more.
