Venezuela could be excluded from the 2014 World Cup.
FIFA wants to punish the country due to government interference in the selection of its leaders.
Venezuela is at serious risk of being punished by FIFA and excluded from the 2014 World Cup qualifiers in Brazil. This could happen if the country's National Congress approves in the coming days a bill that gives the central government autonomy to directly participate in the selection of leaders of entities and to organize sporting competitions and events.
FIFA has already commented on the matter. In a letter sent Wednesday to the Venezuelan Football Federation (FFV), the organization warns that the approval of the draft law, currently under consideration, will constitute "direct government interference in matters exclusive to the FFV."
The project regulates sports as a whole and has the unconditional support of President Hugo Chávez. It also stipulates that the appointment of coaches and coordinators for national teams must be done in coordination with the central government authorities.
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) also sent a letter to the Venezuelan Football Federation (FFV) and stressed that FIFA statutes do not allow government interference in the organization. Groups of athletes, coaches, and leaders from various sports in Venezuela are mobilizing to amend the draft legislation.
In Argentina, where Venezuela will make its Copa América debut this Sunday against Brazil, the players are forbidden from discussing the matter. The order comes from the head of the delegation, Serafin Boutureira, to whom the documents were addressed. He is the general secretary of the FFV (Venezuelan Football Federation).