Fifa warns Spain that it may be kicked out of World Cup over government interference in FA elections

SPAIN risks being kicked out of next year's World Cup after Fifa wrote to the Spanish football federation warning it that the recent government interference in its elections represents a breach of international guidelines.

Under Fifa's strict rules, it is federations that join the body and not governments and football associations are supposed to be run independent of the state. In the past, several countries have been suspended and penalised by Fifa after their governments interfered with the running of their football associations.

Earlier today, Fifa wrote to the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), warning it that Spain's national team could be kicked out of next summer’s World Cup over the involvement of the Spanish government in their election for a new president. RFEF is currently led by Juan Luis Larrea on an interim basis after their former president Angel Maria Villar was forced to step down because of corruption charges.

Apparently, preparations for a new election are already well under way and the government’s National Sports Council has made contact with the RFEF over a successor. However, Fifa has made it clear that Spain could face being kicked out of Russia 2018 if the Spanish government does not stop meddling with the federation.

Fifa are able to suspend the membership of any national football team if it judges the association has been influenced by external political pressure. Under Fifa statutes, each member must manage their affairs independently and ensure that there is no interference by third parties in its affairs.

Former world champions Spain, have been drawn in Group B for next year's World Cup alongside Portugal, Morocco and Iran. One of the favourites for next year's tournament, the Spanish are playing some of the best football in the world at the moment, delighting fans with their one-touch football known as Tika-Taka.