The 32nd and final place at next year’s World Cup in Russia could be back up for grabs, after an incredible twist in Peru.
With the South American nation qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, ending a 36 year drought by beating New Zealand in the intercontinental play-off, reports now suggest they could be stripped of their place.
Peruvian newspaper Libero reports that congresswoman Paloma Noceda has put forward a new law which would place their national governing football body under the control of its institute of sport.
That would go against FIFA’s stance on government interference in the running of the sport, which Libero reports could result in Peru being excluded from FIFA tournaments.
If Peru were to be removed from the competitions, FIFA hold the right to choose whichever nation to take their place, with World Cup regulations explaining: “If any association withdraws or is excluded from the competition, the FIFA Organising Committee shall decide on the matter at its sole discretion and take whatever action is deemed necessary.
“The FIFA Organising Committee may in particular decide to replace the association in question with another association.”
Newspaper Tuttosport has claimed that four-time World Cup winners Italy could be handed Peru’s spot, despite UEFA already having 13 nations at Russia, its maximum allowed.
That could also put New Zealand back in the mix, who fell 2-0 over two legs in their play-off with Peru.
Another option would be Chile, with the reigning South American champions finishing one point behind Peru in CONMEBOL qualifying.
The New Zealand Herald reports that the USA could also be in the mix due to financial reasons, with America’s Fox Sports paying AU$512m to televise the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Source:Libero
