Angry Blatter threatens Spain with expulsion from world football

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Blatter has threatened the national side and Spanish clubs with expulsion from major tournaments unless their government revoke a new ministerial order which forces the country's non-Olympic sporting federations to hold elections before the Beijing Games.

Spanish threat: Sepp Blatter's anger at the Spanish government could have far-reaching consequences

"Spain is going to find itself in a situation which in the future could be very poorly received by the entire world," said Blatter.

He added: "Either the Spanish government wants football to be played in Spain only, without international games, or it will accept the international rules and the Spanish national team will be able to take part [in international competition].

"It would be tough, but it would only take six hours to call a FIFA emergency committee meeting to hear and decide upon Spain's exclusion.

"Spain would not be able to play at Euro 2008, and their clubs wouldn't continue in the Champions League or UEFA Cup."

Blatter's comments could offer a glimmer of hope to Northern Ireland who finished third in their Euro 2008 qualifying group behind Spain and Sweden.

FIFA have always maintained a strong stance against government involvement in football's governing bodies, and have intervened in recent years in similar cases in Portugal and Greece.

And Blatter insists they will take the same approach if the government - which could change after the March 9 elections - do not revoke the order.

"If the Spanish government continue to interfere in football matters through the Ministry of Sport, they have to realise that their clubs and national team will be banned from international competitions," he added.

FIFA banned the Greek FA for 48 hours in 2006, and Blatter feels Spain could be very close to suffering the same fate.

"Right now the Spanish case is similar to that of Greece," Blatter continued.

"Spain takes part in European competitions at both club and national level. I don't understand how a country like Spain can find itself in this situation.

"A confrontation like this is no good for football or for the government. FIFA's emergency committee could decide on the immediate suspension of the Spanish FA.

"I hope that an immediate solution is found and that soon we can say that this has all been solved."