FIFA threaten to exclude Tunisia from World Cup, possibly to the benefit of Italy | OneFootball

As reported by Le Parisien, FIFA could exclude Tunisia from next month’s World Cup after reported governmental interference in the country’s footballing affairs.

FIFA sent a letter to the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF) this week asking for clarification over the county’s government’s role in it’s dealings. Such meddling is against FIFA rules and could result in expulsion for the Tunisian FA from the sport’s world governing body, and it’s national team along with it.

The paper point out that this possibility is improbable but is an option for FIFA after concerns rose following Tunisia’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Kamel Deguiche, threats over replacing the FTF leadership.

The outlet also point out that an expulsion from the tournament could allow the highest placed team in FIFA’s world rankings who have not qualified for the tournament to be parachuted in as a replacement. This unlikely scenario would give Italy a place in Qatar.

Tunisia are currently part of Group D alongside France, Denmark and Australia.