Fifa gives ultimatum to Madagascar
Fifa gives ultimatum to Madagascar
Posted: 2008-03-17 10:20
Fifa has warned Madagascar authorities to reinstate the dissolved FA by today (Monday) or face a ban from international football.
Sports minister Patrick Ramiaramanana sacked the entire management committee of the Malagasy FA this week and announced fresh elections.
But the move did not go down well with Fifa as the world governing body does not tolerate government interference in football matters.
“The Madagascar association would be suspended automatically if the government decree to dissolve the association was not cancelled within three days,” a Fifa statement said.
This means the Malagasy FA must be reinstated by March 17 for the country to avoid the ban.
Despite the ultimatum, Ramiaramanana is keen on bringing in a new management team to run the Malagasy FA.
“My priority is to settle down national problems and then that of international. I will never reverse my decision,” Ramiaramanana said.
The catalyst for the dissolution of the management committee was the last-minute cancellation of a Champions League match two weeks ago.
Fans clashed with police after the cancellation of Ajesaia’s tie against Costa do Sol of Mozambique.
Following an investigation into the incident - caused by the non-arrival of one match official - the government blamed the Malagasy FA and announced fresh elections in three months.
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