FIFA Takes Action, Bans 10 National Teams Over Political Interference
- FIFA has banned 10 national teams for political interference in football administration in recent years
- Asian countries, including Kuwait and Pakistan, account for half of the suspensions from the football body
- African countries such as Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Congo have also faced repeated FIFA sanctions
FIFA has made it clear that national football associations must operate independently, free from government meddling.
Any interference, manipulation, or obstruction by political authorities can lead to immediate consequences, including suspension from international football.
Source: Getty Images
According to YEN.com.gh, this strict approach has led to 10 countries being banned in recent decades, demonstrating FIFA’s willingness to enforce governance rules even at the cost of excluding teams from competitions.
Asian nations hit hardest
Asian football has borne the brunt of FIFA sanctions in recent years.
Kuwait has faced multiple bans since 2007 due to government disputes with the football federation, missing critical tournaments, including World Cup qualifiers.
Brunei was suspended globally from 2009 to 2011 following governmental interference, while Iraq faced a brief ban in 2009 after the Olympic Committee dissolved its football association.
Indonesia’s 2015 suspension and Pakistan’s recent sanctions further highlight FIFA’s commitment to maintaining autonomous football governance in Asia.
African federations under FIFA scrutiny
Africa has not been immune to FIFA suspensions, as Kenya, Sierra Leone, and Congo have all faced sanctions due to government intrusion in football affairs.
Kenya endured three separate bans (2004, 2006, and 2022), while Sierra Leone’s suspension in 2018 followed the removal of the Football Association president and general secretary by the government.
Congo remains suspended due to ongoing interference, emphasising FIFA’s strict enforcement even on the continent.
South Africa and beyond
Political interference in football is not a new phenomenon.
South Africa was initially suspended in 1961 during apartheid, briefly reinstated, then expelled in 1976 until the end of apartheid in 1992.
Similarly, Yugoslavia was banned from the 1994 World Cup due to UN sanctions amid the Yugoslav Wars, despite having qualified, Inside The Game reports.
Guatemala also faced suspension in CONCACAF after local authorities interfered with a FIFA-appointed reform committee following corruption allegations.
Consequences of FIFA sanctions
FIFA suspensions prevent affected countries from participating in qualifiers, tournaments, and even friendly matches.
The bans disrupt player development and national football momentum.
While some countries, like Kuwait, Pakistan, and Sierra Leone, eventually returned after reforms, others, such as Congo and Russia, remain barred, missing opportunities to compete on the global stage.
Looking ahead to 2026
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA approaches, 42 of the 48 teams have secured qualification.
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Political interference continues to be a barrier for several nations, with FIFA maintaining its zero-tolerance policy.
These bans serve as a stark reminder that autonomy in football governance is non-negotiable, and nations must comply to secure their place on the world stage.
Russia prepares to host rival World Cup
In another development, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria may still get a taste of international football in 2026 despite missing out on the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup.
Reports suggest that Russia is proposing a rival competition exclusively for countries that failed to qualify for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Source: Legit.ng
