Spain can skip the 2018 World Cup in Russia because of the possible sanctions of FIFA

FIFA can withdraw the Spanish national team from participating in tournaments under the auspices of the organization due to the political crisis in the country that can lead to the exception of Barcelona from the country's championship, in which case the national team risks missing the 2018 World Cup, Marca reports.

In early September, the Parliament of the Autonomous Community of Catalonia (administrative center - Barcelona), which is part of Spain, approved two referendum laws.

The first, according to the separatists, created a legal framework for a plebiscite about independence, and the second regulated the exit of Catalonia from Spain in case of victory in the referendum of supporters of the rupture with the kingdom. Madrid considers both laws and the plebiscite itself illegal. The referendum will be held on Sunday.

Earlier it was reported that in the event of Catalonia from Spain, the leadership of the highest division of the Spanish championship may exclude Barcelona from the tournament draw.

According to the publication, this decision can be regarded by FIFA as “illegal government intervention in football”, which can lead to the removal of the Spanish national team from tournaments under the auspices of the organization. Thus, the Spaniards may not perform at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The Spanish national team is the 2010 world champion, as well as a three -time European champion. The World Cup will be held in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018.