FIFA president Sepp Blatter has insisted that Uruguay will play at the World Cup in Brazil this year despite its crisis-hit national football federation having been kicked out of the South American confederation (Conmebol).
The entire board of the Uruguayan football federation (UAF) resigned on Monday following the decision by the country’s president Jose Mujica to withdraw police cover from matches in the face of escalating stadium violence.
The move came after incidents marred Nacional’s meeting with Argentine side Newell’s Old Boys in the Copa Libertadores.
40 people were arrested and dozens of police and fans were injured, while more than 700 seats were ripped out at the encounter.
“Do you think Uruguay will be sanctioned? No, Uruguay is going to play in the World Cup and will remain in their group,” said Blatter.
Uruguay will face Italy, England and Costa Rica in this year’s showpiece event.
