FIFA threatens to ban Tunisia from 2022 World Cup

FIFA has threatened to ban Tunisia from the 2022 World Cup, after comments from the country’s sports minister.

Tunisia’s participation in next month’s tournament is under threat after the youth and sports minister, Kamel Deguiche, spoke about the possibility of “dissolving federal offices of different disciplines”.

FIFA seemingly took that to mean the Tunisian Football Association (FTF).

In a leaked letter, which was published by radio station Mosaique FM, the world football governing body has asked for clarification of these comments.

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

FIFA warned that its members “are legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.”

It added that failure to comply “may result in the imposition of penalties under the FIFA laws, including suspension of the relevant association.”