QATAR 2022: FIFA ISSUES WARNING TO TUNISIA OVER WORLD CUP PARTICIPATION

October 31, 2022

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FIFA have warned the Tunisian Football Federation (TFF) their participation at the World Cup could be in jeopardy if there is found to be government interference within the organisation.

The north African country, who has qualified for their sixth World Cup, is in Group D with the reigning world champions France, Australia, and Denmark, whom they will play in their Nov. 22 opener.

FIFA sent a letter to TFF this week outlining concerns after Tunisia’s Youth and Sports Minister Kamel Deguiche had threatened to dissolve some federal offices, among other recent comments that have irked the global governing body.

FIFA acknowledged the letter to Reuters but would not elaborate. The TFF and the sports ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ questions.

The TFF was reminded in a letter from FIFA’s director of member associations, Kenny Jean-Marie, to general secretary Wajdi Aouadi that the association had a responsibility to act independently and avoid undue influence from other parties.

It stated that any failure to follow through could result in penalties being imposed in accordance with FIFA regulations, including suspension of the relevant association.