MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Conflict with government over violence in Uruguayan football could have FIFA consequences

The match between Nacional and Newell's Boys and following violence triggered the current situation

Uruguayan Football Association (AUF) president Sebastián Bauza and the entire body's board of directors have tendered their resignations, as a fierce conflict sparked by President José Mujica's decision to remove police officers from the country's two most popular teams' matches (Peñarol and Nacional) generally marred by violence and destruction.

 However the decision could have further consequences if FIFA (the world's football ruling board) considers that the stepping down of the AUF board of directors was the result of 'government interference'.

The AUF revealed the decision through a letter published on the Association website, stating “the events of public notoriety that have occurred in recent times show the need to take a step to the side and allow other political institutions to govern football.”

The statement affirms that “football needs decisions to be taken and current political-institutional conditions do not allow for this to happen.

”The executive board has worked with the sole objective of helping football and now, the perception is that has become an obstacle to continuing this line of work.”

Bauzá's resignation takes place following the controversy created after violent incidents at the end of a Copa Libertadores match between Nacional and Argentina's Newell's Old Boys in Uruguay's main stadium last week, the end of which was marked by clashes between the police and home supporters.

The police reported 13 officers injured and 38 arrests following the clashes. Given a repeat of this kind of incidents Mujica decided to remove officers from certain arenas.

On Sunday the Uruguayan Footballers' Union ordered Peñarol and Miramar Misiones players not to play their league match, considering that there were no guarantees of safety due to the absence of police. That action meant the AUF board was forced to abandon the game, in the ninth round of the national championship.

Mujica is scheduled to meet later this week with the presidents of Peñarol and Nacional to further discuss the issue which could have consequences for Uruguay's international football activities.

If FIFA understands that there has been 'government interference' with the managing of local football it can go as far as having Uruguay suspended from the coming World Cup in Brazil.

The situation is not easy or isolated since several Uruguayan teams are already also clashing with Conmebol, the South American Football Association regarding television rights and have presented a claim before a Uruguayan court, something which under FIFA rules could also be interpreted as questioning the board's decisions.