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Sports

Wednesday February 20, 2008

Spain brush off Blatter ban threat

MADRID: The Spanish government is convinced their national team will be allowed to compete at Euro 2008, despite Sepp Blatter’s threat to the contrary.

The FIFA president has warned Spain that they face a bar from international competitions if the government continue to pressure the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) to hold an early election.

“The team qualified (for the tournament) on the field of play. I am sure they will compete,” Spain’s sports minister Jaime Lissavetzky told reporters on Monday.

“I respect everyone’s opinion but I defend Spain’s sovereignty, her laws, and the principle of democratic and transparent elections in all the federations. Spain’s rules governing elections are compatible with FIFA’s.”

Spain, through their Sports Council (CSD), have insisted that all sporting federations not involved in the Olympic Games should hold elections before Beijing 2008, which takes place in August.

Lissavetzky said the RFEF had not asked the CSD for a time extension which was within their rights.

“Sometimes there are tense moments which can be overcome and I hope this is only a debate rather than the start of something that no one wants,” he added.

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