Spain faces possible World Cup ban

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Europe

Spain’s involvement at the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia may be under threat after FIFA warned the Spanish football federation (RFEF) against political interference.

Football's governing body is raising concerns that the Spanish government may have interfered in the election of the country's new football federation president.

The Spanish football association (FA) is being run by Juan Luis Larrea on an interim basis after former president Angel Maria Villar was forced to step down on corruption charges.

Spain is part of the 2018 World Cup Group B draw. /VCG Photo

FIFA has always asked that each football association be run independently – and not be influenced by any outside or political party. Rules state that: “Each member must manage their affairs independently and ensure that there is no interference by third parties in their affairs.”

If there is evidence that his appointment may have been politically motivated, there is a real possibility Spain would be expelled from the tournament in Russia. In the past FIFA has banned Nigeria, Indonesia, Pakistan and Kuwait for government or third-party inference in football matters.