Serious Possibility that Spain may Miss the 2018 World Cup

The suspended president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Ángel María Villar, stated on Monday that the possibility of Spain missing the 2018 World Cup in Russia is "serious" and blamed the Spanish government for its interference.

"The possibility (of Spain being left out of the World Cup) is serious, nobody wants it and I want it the least," said Villar in a press conference.

Rarely seen speaking to the media, Villar appeared two days after it became known on Friday that FIFA had sent a letter to the RFEF "expressing its concern about the federation's situation" and warning it about any political interference.

"All member federations must manage their affairs independently and ensure that there is no interference from third parties in their internal affairs," FIFA reminded, which would have the possibility of suspending Spain and therefore leaving it without the World Cup.

"The only party responsible for the national team not being able to play in the World Cup is the actions of this government," insisted Villar, who is suspended from his duties after being implicated in a corruption case discovered within the RFEF.

Villar especially criticized the High Council of Sports (CSD), whose executive committee decreed his temporary suspension from office.

He also referred to the president of the CSD, José Ramón Lete, and his intention to "nullify the elections to the General Assembly (in which Villar was elected) by requesting a review of the decision of the Administrative Court of Sport (TAD)."

In a tense press conference, where he claimed that "there are people who want my head hanging, like those of deer on the wall," Villar insisted that he will not resign from his position as president.

"With my resignation, the problem won't be solved: the interference committed by Mr. Lete" in wanting to repeat the elections, Villar affirmed, insisting that he wants to see Spain in Russia.

"Hopefully all of this will be clarified because Villar and the leaders who have been investigated haven't done anything," added Villar, who is currently free after posting bail.

Under Villar's direction for 29 years, the RFEF entered into crisis after the arrest in July of its president, who is suspected of having created an extensive client network within Spanish football.

The CSD suspended Villar for one year and Juan Luis Larrea, until then treasurer of the RFEF, replaced him.