The Tunisian Football Federation (TFF) has received a warning from FIFA that its ability to compete in the World Cup may be jeopardized if evidence of political meddling is discovered within the group.
After Tunisia’s Minister of Youth and Sports Kamel Deguiche took action to dissolve federal offices, FIFA demanded clarity in a letter sent by Kenny Jean-Marie, Chief Member Associations Officer.
The letter from Kenny Jean-Marie reminded Tunisia’s Deguiche to act independently from the TFF and against inappropriate influence from outside parties.
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“Any failure to comply with these obligations may result in the imposition of penalties under the FIFA laws, including suspension of the relevant association,” the letter confirmed by FIFA stated.
FIFA or TFF has stated no further comments, however, Souhail Khmira, a Tunisian sports journalist, has revealed information regarding the case.
“Over the past few months, the Minister of Sport has called on the FTF to postpone the domestic league and review kick-off dates,” said Khmira to the BBC.
“At one point he insinuated that the Ministry of Sport has the authority, according to Tunisian law, to dissolve federal bureaux. The FTF has seen that as a threat. That constant harassment was seen as interference and is what Fifa has been referring to,” added Khmira.
FIFA’s laws declare that all its member federations must be free from legal and political interference.
If the football body intends to ban Tunisian’s national team, it can remove it from the upcoming World Cup tournament.
Tunisia will compete in Group D in Qatar in less than 20 days against World Cup defenders France, Denmark, and Australia.
As a result of governmental meddling in sport, FIFA has suspended Zimbabwe and Kenya at the moment.
Due to “undue intervention by a third party,” the governing council removed the two football associations from the league in February.
FIFA will not provide any financing to either nation during the suspension, and neither nation’s football teams are permitted to participate in any games.
