Possibly good news for Costa Rica’s national soccer team with only weeks to go before the World Cup in Brazil.
On Monday, Uruguay’s Football Association (AUF) board resigned amid a crisis which media reports said could rob the national team of their place at the World Cup. The reason behind the move appears to be the Uruguayan government’s decision to withdraw police protection at matches involving the country’s big clubs Penarol and Nacional because of violence by their “barras bravas” hardcore fans.
“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,” AUF president Sebastian Bauza’s resignation letter said.
Leading newspapers El Pais and El Observador said on their websites (www.ovaciondigital.com.uy and www.elobservador.com.uy) that FIFA might interpret Uruguayan President Jose Mujica’s decision as interference in football affairs and suspend the AUF and the Uruguay team from competition.
But Eugenio Figueredo, the president of South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL, told Reuters that he knew of no FIFA investigation into the AUF.
Uruguay, who boast the likes of Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Paris St Germain forward Edinson Cavani, are scheduled to play in Group D in Brazil alongside Italy, England and Costa Rica.
Editor’s note: If Uruguay is out for the kick off on June 12, that would leave Costa Rica against only two powerhouses – Italy and England – and who knows, the Ticos may actually win one of the three games. And even more hopeful, the could advance to next round play.
