Uncertainty Trails Uruguay’s Participation In the FIFA World Cup as Her FA Board Resigns
Uruguay’s Football Association (AUF) board has resigned amid crisis which could rob the national team of their place at the World Cup.
The resignation came after the Uruguayan government’s decision to withdraw police protection at matches involving the country’s big clubs, Peñarol and Nacional because of violence by their hardcore fans.
“The well-publicised acts that have occurred in recent times show the need for [the AUF board to take] a step to one side and allow other political views to govern our football,” the resignation letter from the AUF president, Sebastián Bauzá, said.
Leading Uruguayan newspapers said that FIFA might interpret the decision by the Uruguayan President, José Mujica, as interference in football affairs and suspend the AUF and the Uruguay team from competition.
Eugenio Figueredo, President of South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, however said that he knew of no FIFA investigation into the AUF. Figueredo, also a Uruguayan, said he did not believe there was any risk of the 2010 semi-finalists Uruguay not playing at the World Cup in Brazil that kicks off on 12 June.
“When governments intervene, a national association is provisionally suspended [by Fifa]… But I have no proof the government played a part in Bauzá’s exit,” said Figueredo.
“The World Cup is already on top of us. Can you imagine a national association being suspended [now] for an internal or sports politics matter? Fifa is a bit more serious. I don’t think Uruguay’s place at the World Cup is at risk.”
Mujica withdrew police protection after the latest violent incident when Nacional fans fought police at the end of their team’s 4-2 home defeat by Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys in a Libertadores Cup match in Montevideo last Wednesday. There were 40 arrests and several police officers and supporters were injured. The government ruling led to the suspension of a first division match at over the weekend.
Uruguay are due to play England, Italy and Costa Rica at the World Cup in Group D.