FIFA Threatens Tunisia With A Ban From 2022 World Cup

World football governing body FIFA has given Tunisia one last chance to avoid a “lengthy’ ban that would prevent the North African nation from participating in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA wants the statement made by Tunisian Youth and Sports minister Kamel Deguiche, threatening to ban the Tunisia Football Federation (FTF), be withdrawn by midday of Friday, regarding it as government interference in football, which isn’t allowed under the world body’s rules.

FIFA said in a letter to FTF that the government has until the deadline to withdrawn the statement and allow the FA leadership is able to work “without any hindrance.

“State authorities’ attempts to interfere in the Tunisian Federation’s internal affairs and its threats to dissolve FTF’s office,” the letter reads in part.

“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.

“Any failure to comply with these obligations may result in the imposition of penalties under the Fifa laws, including suspension of the relevant association.”

Tunisia is among the five African countries that will participate in the 2022 FIFA World Cup that is set to kickoff on November 20 in Qatar.

The Carthage Eagles are currently in Group D alongside Denmark, Australia and France.