Would FIFA Really Ban Spain From Euro 2008?

There’s a row brewing between FIFA and the Spanish government, and there’s a chance it could end with the Spanish national team not competing at Euro 2008. There’s a joke in there somewhere about Spain never competing anyway, but I’m far too sophisticated to make it. FIFA are getting hot under the collar over the Spanish government’s insistence that all Spanish sports federations not involved with the 2008 Olympics hold fresh elections before the games begin, an interference that contradicts FIFA’s strict rules about football associations being separate from national government. And no touching.

Sepp Blatter seems pretty serious about it. “Spain would not be able to play at Euro 2008 and their clubs wouldn’t continue in Europe,” he threatened. “A confrontation like this is no good for football or for the government.” Spain don’t seem to be listening though. “The team qualified (for the tournament) on the field of play. I am sure they will compete,” Spain’s sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky told reporters.

If I was Lissavetsky I wouldn’t be taking this so lightly. FIFA suspended Iran over a similar incident back in 2006, so we know Sepp Blatter and buddies aren’t messing about. But lets hope it doesn’t come to that. I know we say this all the time, but Spain (once again) have a quality side (Fabgregas, Xavi, Torres etc) who could (emphasis on could) finally deliver, so the players deserve a chance to compete this summer.