Tunisia could be removed from Qatar World Cup over 'government interference'

FIFA have warned Tunisia their participation at the World Cup could be under threat if there is found to be government interference within the organisation.

Having qualified for their sixth World Cup, the North African nation are in Group D along with world champions France, Australia, and Denmark, whom they face in their 22 November opener.

FIFA sent a letter to the Tunisian Football Federation (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.

🔴 Breaking:

FIFA threatens to suspend Tunisian 🇹🇳 Football Association from all it’s related activities with immediate effect.

If this happens, it means Tunisia will be banned from taking part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. #Tunisia #FIFAWorldCup #AfricanFootball pic.twitter.com/JFDx0qpPrl

— Micky Jnr ✪ (@MickyJnr__) October 27, 2022

FIFA confirmed the letter to Reuters but refused to comment further. Reuters' enquiries to the TFF and sports ministry did not elicit immediate responses.

The letter from Kenny Jean-Marie, FIFA's director of member associations, to the general secretary of the TFF Wajdi Aouadi reminded the association of its obligation to act independently and avoid undue influence by third parties.

"Any failure to comply with these obligations may result in the imposition of penalties under the FIFA laws, including suspension of the relevant association," it said.

(Reuters)