Tunisia risk being left out of the 2022 World Cup, should the government interfere in football matters. The country’s football board has been given a warning by FIFA, and they are yet to clarify their stance on the situation formally.
Repeated comments from Tunisia’s Youth and Sports Minister, Kamel Deguiche, about the possibility of “dissolving federal bureaux” have made FIFA take notice of the situation.
Tunisia could be kicked out of World Cup group by FIFA
FIFA has stated that all their member countries are “legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties”.
“Any failure to comply with these obligations may result in the imposition of penalties under the Fifa laws, including suspension of the relevant association,” said a letter from Kenny Jean-Marie, Fifa’s director of member associations, to FTF general secretary Wajdi Aouadi.
Tunisia have been drawn in Group D with defending champions France, Denmark and Australia. If the governing body decides to ban Tunisia, their national team, as well as clubs, will not be able to play in any international competitions.
Their national team has been unable to progress out of the group stage in any of their last five World Cup appearances. And they now run the risk of missing out altogether.
