Argentina FA threaten to boycott Copa America over government interference

Imagine a Copa without Argentina!

Argentina, one of the biggest and most followed teams in the world might not take part in the 100th edition of the Copa America in the USA next month. The Argentinian football association are unhappy with the government for alleged interference.

The South American nation are one of the favourites to win the tournament with Lionel Messi also part of the squad for the tournament.  The will play their first match against holders Chile in Santa Clara, California.

But there is now considerable doubt over the participation of the nation in the tournament after the government decided to suspend the AFA elections which were scheduled to be held on the 30th of June over allegations of TV revenues being mishandled.

The office have sent two inspectors to conduct an investigation into the matter which prompted the federation to conduct an emergency meeting. AFA executive secretary Damian Dupiellet spoke to radio station La Red telling them they were considering flying back the national team back to the country from California.

Dupiellet also gave a statement to media outlet Clarin on the matter. “The elections are suspended for 90 days and could be suspended for 90 days more. Two inspectors have been sent to carry out an internal review. This is clear interference in the life of the AFA.”

FIFA have suspended several countries in the past on similar grounds including Nigeria, Cameroon and Indonesia. Dupiellet said he would consult FIFA about the same. 

“We will ask CONMEBOL and FIFA to evaluate if this is against their institutions' rules. The Executive Board will decide tomorrow [Tuesday] if the national team must return to Argentina.”

The AFA also released a statement regarding the suspension of the elections on their website.

“The AFA has received a demand from the Inspeccion General de Justicia that today will be analysed by the management body in a meeting of the Executive Committee," the statement said.”

“The AFA informs that it has received a message from the Inspeccion General de Justicia regarding the suspension of elections set for next June 30, and appoints two inspectors for a period of 90 days. This demand will be analysed by the Executive Committee in a meeting today, at 18:00 hours, and then a decision will be taken.”

It will come as a huge loss for the tournament and several fans in the US who are anticipating the arrival of their favourite stars in the country. Argentina will also miss the chance to exact revenge on Chile to whom they lost the final in 2015.