FIFA’s Dirty Secrets: A Look at the 16 Countries Banned for Breaking the Rules
As you’re reading this, football is taking center stage with fans worldwide, and national teams are fighting for spots in the FIFA World Cup. But amidst the glory, controversy brews behind the scenes. Since its inception in 1950, FIFA has banned 16 countries for breaking the rules, a number that may seem daunting but reflects the complexity of international politics and corruption in the football world.
Today, I’ll be counting down these 16 nations, tracing the paths of football fans and administrators embroiled in controversies. We’ll delve into what went down, who’s still stuck under the FIFA radar, and the lingering effects these bans have had on national football leagues and fans alike.
Let’s Count Down the Nations!
- Germany and Japan (1950): Remembering the country’s strict austerity measures under World War II, it’s little surprise that they faced punishment from FIFA during the 1950 World Cup.
[Insert Photo: Germany’s national football team during the 1938 FIFA World Cup.]
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South Africa (1970-1991): Due to the nation’s strict apartheid policies, South Africa spent nearly four decades in a state of isolation, but in 1991, FIFA welcomed the nation back into the fold.
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Mexico (1990): For allegedly fielding an overaged team, Mexico received a two-year suspension, subsequently missing the 1990 World Cup. The decision had long-term effects, with the team vying for success.
- Chile (1994): A stadium drama saw the nation, in particular goalkeeper Roberto Rojas, implicated in bribery scandals, and a worldwide ban resulted in 20 players banned, 1000 match-day points imposed, and three players even stripped of citizenship!
[Insert Photo: Chile vs. Colombia World Cup, 1982.]
- Myanmar (2006-2015): Politics, once more, intervened. In this case, FIFA’s punishment was an extension of national restrictions; players, meanwhile, turned professional.
Modern Day Shenanigans
1. Myanmar (2015-2017): Once lifted, a revised suspension ensnared them once again for continued FIFA infractions. Since their latest stint in 2022’s Asian Football Confederation ban, the future of this national football squad is bright!
[Insert Photo: Myanmar footballer Kyi Lin playing at the AFF Championship in 2021.]
- Guatemala (2016): Bribery allegations took down then-President of Guatemala’s football association, sparking an ongoing feud with rival associations. Still reeling from FIFA bans, its future looks gloomy at best.
[Insert Photo: Guatemala National Team preparing for an International match.]