FIFA warns Gambia over government meddling

ZURICH (AP)—FIFA has warned Gambia it faces “severe sanctions” after the government dissolved the national soccer association following defeat in an African Cup of Nations qualifying match.

FIFA says it won’t recognize or deal with an interim management group installed by the Gambian Ministry of Youth and Sport.

FIFA has asked ousted officials to report on their situation by Thursday before deciding whether to send the case to an emergency committee chaired by FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

Blatter’s panel can suspended countries from world soccer if governments interfere in running the sport.

The ministry fired Gambia FA officials last Friday after the national team lost 2-1 to Algeria in the home leg of a Cup of Nations qualifier.