Russia 2018: Spain threatened with expulsion

Spain’s involvement at the 2018 World Cup is under threat after FIFA warned the Spanish football federation against political interference.

FIFA has informed the Spanish football federation (RFEF) that continued involvement from Spain’s government in the upcoming election for RFEF president could see them banned from the World Cup next summer.

Spanish football has been led by interim president Juan Luis Larrea since July, when former chief Angel Maria Villar was forced to step down on corruption charges.

While proposals for the new election have yet to be delivered, the Spanish government’s National Sports Council have made contact with the RFEF over the eventual vote for Villar’s permanent successor.

According to Spanish outlet El Pais, FIFA would rule any involvement the Spanish government has in the election as political interference.

FIFA can suspend any the membership of any national team if their football association is ruled to be influenced by political pressure.

Villar stepped down from the role after being arrested on corruption charges back in July. Along with his son and three other RFEF executives. The allegations related to collusion, embezzlement and falsifying of documents.

The former Spain player also resigned from his position as UEFA vice-president and FIFA executive vice-president, where he was essentially second in command behind Gianni Infantino.

Then-FIFA president Sepp Blatter threatened to ban Spain from Euro 2008, a tournament they went on to win, when the Spanish government was previously accused of interfering in the election process.