FIFA and UEFA concerned by situation in FYR Macedonia

Zurich, 23 January 2007 - FIFA and UEFA sent a letter to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the FYR of Macedonia yesterday after the Macedonian FA offices were closed on 15 January and some members of its management were detained at the Ministry of Interior for several hours.

FIFA and UEFA are surprised by the Macedonian Ministry of Interior's action, in a move that violates the principles of autonomy that apply throughout the sports movement.

FIFA and UEFA are asking the Macedonian government to restore the normal situation and to stop interfering immediately in running the football association.

In the coming days and weeks, FIFA and UEFA will determine what action to take in response to the situation that has occurred in Macedonia should the Macedonian government continue their interference, which contravenes article 17 of the FIFA Statutes.