FIFA threatens to kick Spain out of World Cup

The governing body of world football (FIFA) confirmed on Friday that it has written to the Spanish federation (RFEF) warning they could be suspended form the 2018 World Cup because of political interference.

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said Spain had received “no such letter from FIFA.”


The issue centres on the RFEF presidency. Angel Maria Villar, who was also a senior FIFA and UEFA official, resigned after being arrested in July on suspicion of embezzling funds. Villar was replaced, on an interim basis, by Juan Luis Larrea, another long-time football administrator.

 Even though he is only a stand-in, Larrea made it clear that he wants to see Villar’s term, which was due to end in 2020.

The Spanish National Sports Agency (CSD) has objected and that prompted FIFA’s warning, reported on Friday by the daily El Pais.