Italy may get chance to play in Russia World Cup

Sports Desk: Italy are hoping to make a shock appearance at the 2018 World Cup despite failing to qualify for the finals in Russia.

The notion that they could still feature in the competition emerged in the Italian press following reports from Peru, after the South American nation overcame New Zealand in their World Cup qualifying play-off earlier this month, sparking widespread celebrations in the country.

But despite the excitement, Peru's national team might not be boarding a plane to the finals in 2018, due to state interference in the country's FA, it has been claimed.

According to Libero, Congresswoman Paloma Noceda wants the Institute of Sport to control the football association.

The paper reports that due to FIFA's stance on governments meddling in football, officials could exclude Peru from the World Cup.

FIFA then has the power to replace the ousted team with another of their choice - World Cup regulation states the organisation is under no obligation to take world rankings into consideration.

"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," read the regulations.

Source: Daily Mirror

risingbd/Dhaka/November 24, 2017/A K Azad