Uruguay faces exclusion from 2014 World Cup after football board quits

Uruguay reportedly faces exclusion from this year’s FIFA World Cup after its entire executive committee quit amid a crisis that has reached the office of President Jose Mujica.

Local media reported Monday the decision was a result of the government’s refusal to send police to matches involving giants Penarol and Nacional due to fan violence, reports Xinhua.

According to the El Pais and El Observador newspapers, the move breaches FIFA rules which prohibit governments from interfering in football matters.

In a resignation statement, Uruguay’s Football Association (AUF) president Sebastian Bauza said: “The well publicised acts that have occurred in recent times show the need for the AUF board to take a step to one side and allow other political views to govern our football,”

A FIFA spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.

Mujica’s decision to withdraw police came after officers were injured during a riot after Nacional‘s 2-4 Copa Libertadores defeat to Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys last Wednesday.

Uruguay have been drawn in the World Cup’s Group D alongside Italy, England and Costa Rica.