BANJUL, Gambia (AP) — Gambia appears determined to defy FIFA and install a new national soccer association despite warnings from the sport’s world governing body about government interference.
The tiny West African country faces a showdown with FIFA after its Sports Ministry dissolved the Gambia Football Association this month in the wake of a 2-1 home loss to Algeria in an African Cup of Nations qualifier.
The ministry set up a temporary committee and will send a delegation to Switzerland next week to present its case for a newly elected GFA executive to FIFA.
FIFA says “no governmental instituted interim committee would be recognized and/or dealt with.” FIFA will meet this week to discuss Gambia’s situation and warns of possible “severe sanctions.”
