ZURICH // Fifa have suspended Peru from international football because the government is feuding with the national federation. Football's world governing body gave the two parties a month to settle their differences before its executive committee discusses the issue at a Dec 19-20 meeting in Tokyo. It could choose to expel Peru from its membership entirely. Fifa rules prohibit political interference in football affairs, but Peru's government has refused to recognise the election of Manuel Burga as president of the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF).
"The FPF will only be allowed to return to the fold of the world and South American football communities on the basis of negotiations with the president and the board of the FPF who were elected in October 2007," a Fifa spokesman said in a statement. Peru is now suspended from the 2010 World Cup. It is last in the 10-nation South American qualifying group and is not due to play again until a home match against Chile on March 28.
The dispute has already cost Peru hosting rights for the South American Under-20 championship next year. Venezuela has stepped in to stage the tournament instead. Peruvian clubs are barred from playing teams from other countries following the Fifa ruling. The draw was taking place later for the Copa Libertadores, South America's version of the European Champions League, with the FPF unsure if its clubs will be allowed to fulfil their fixtures when matches start in January.
Referees and officials from Peru are also prevented from taking part in international matches and football meetings while the suspension is in place. *AP
