FIFA renews threats to Poland, Kenya over political interference

FIFA warned Poland and Kenya that they faced serious sanctions unless their governments stop interfering with the running of the national soccer federation.

After a meeting of its associations committee Wednesday, FIFA said Poland could be suspended from international events unless league president Andrzej Rusko is removed as temporary head of the Polish soccer federation.

Rusko was appointed by sports minister Tomasz Lipiec on Jan. 19 as part of an anti-corruption drive, a move which FIFA described as being in contravention of its rules.

Polish Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski said last week that "even if we pay a price — I hope we will not — the price is worth paying."

The appointment of Rusko followed the suspension of all of the Polish federation's board members, including president Michal Listkiewicz, on corruption allegations in recent months.

On Kenya, which is currently suspended from international soccer because of what FIFA describes as government interference, the committee accused the country of systematically obstructing attempts to resolve outstanding issues.

FIFA said that meant the country would continue to be banned "for the foreseeable future," unless the Kenyan government committed itself to complying with the federation's statutes, and agreements signed in Cairo, Egypt, last January.

The committee said it reviewed similar cases concerning Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Macedonia, Peru, Senegal, Togo, Turkey and Tunisia, and was satisfied with their progress.

Meanwhile, an application by the federation of Montenegro to join FIFA was passed on to its executive committee for consideration in May.

Montenegro would become the 208th member of FIFA if approved.

Source:Herald Tribune, iht.com