FIFA threaten to suspend Madagascar from int'l competition

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, March 15 (Xinhua) -- The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Friday approved an automatic suspension of Madagascan Football Federation(MFF) if a government decree to dissolve the association was not cancelled within three days, local media reported here on Saturday.

After discussion of Madagascar's case during the meeting of FIFA executive committee in Zurich, Switzerland, an ultimatum was launched to Madagascar, hoping Madagascan Minister of Sports, Culture and Leisures Patrick Ramiaramanana to reverse his decision before March 17.

Despite of the ultimatum, Ramiaramanana maintained his position saying that he knew the risks when he decided to dissolve the MFF.

"As I have already told you during the press conference, my priority was to settle down national problem and then that of international. I will never reverse my decision," he said.

Minister Ramiaramanana announced last Sunday the dissolution of MFF as he believed it should be responsible for the uncontrolled behavior of the spectators following an international soccer match.

He set up an interim team to replace the federation, which was given three months to organize a new election in the federation.

Following the Minister's decision, MFF chairman Ahmad Roheeman sent a letter to African Football Federation (AFC) and FIFA to report the facts.

In that way, Madagascar would put an end to its relationships with FIFA since the island country would not be allowed to participate in any international contest and even friendly international encounters.

Madagascar would also be deprived of all rights including the right to vote at FIFA congress and even lose the annual financial support provided by FIFA.