Government interference in football
At the current World Cup in South Africa many were surprised to see how embarrassingly France tumbled out of the tournament.
By no means were France a favorite to make another run at the title but a few wins and an honorable showing were expected. Instead a draw and two losses in the group stage saw the French team out of the tournament quickly; with papers describing their play as dismal. However, according to the French media it wasn’t just poor play that embarrassed the team. A series of off field controversies seemed to cripple the French; which seemed to leave them with absolutely no hope of improving their play from game to game.
French probe
With the French public angered by the performance of the team, the government has vowed to launch a probe in to the World Cup campaign of the national team. The French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, criticized the team and according to BBC Sport he “Personally pledged to lead an investigation into what went wrong”. This however could be a move that hurts the French Football Association (FFF) more than it helps. BBC Sport stated that a warning from FIFA President Sepp Blatter stated that France could be banned from international football if its government interferes in the running of the national side.
Super Eagles grounded
BBC Sport report that, “Nigeria’s president has suspended his nation’s football team from international competition for two years after a poor showing at the World Cup”. It is the hope of the government that suspending the team will provide the opportunity to reorganize the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). Along with the suspension the government plans to audit the organizing committee to ensure that all funds were used properly.
Blatter stands firm
FIFA rules stipulate that national federations must handle their affairs independently or they will suffer consequences. This particular rule is one that France is not alone in ignoring in the wake of a disappointing World Cup campaign.
If FIFA finds that Nigeria is violating its rules it could be harshly punished as well. An international ban of their national team is on aspect but they also risk their club teams and referees being banned. Also, any officials would be banned from FIFA meetings and events.