FIFA warned Brazil of the possibility of its national teams and clubs facing suspensions from international competitions if an intervention by its football board leads to the election of a new president in January.
In a letter to a Brazilian soccer executive, the game`s governing body said on Sunday that the country`s soccer body CBF could face suspension if it does not heed its call to wait and instead holds a swift election to replace Ednaldo Rodrigues as president regardless. The document was obtained by The Associated Press.
A Rio de Janeiro court removed Rodrigues and all his appointees at CBF from office on Dec. 7 due to irregularities in his election last year. Brazil`s two highest courts upheld that ruling last week.
Soccer`s governing body FIFA historically rejects government and third-party interference in its member associations, which ultimately could leave five-time World Cup winners Brazil out of major competitions until the crisis is solved.
Sunday`s letter was signed by FIFA`s Kenny Jean-Marie, its chief members` association officer, and CONMEBOL`s deputy secretary-general, Monserrat Jiménez Garcia.
FIFA and South American soccer body CONMEBOL also said in the letter they will form a commission to discuss the matter in Brazil on Jan 8.
