In a move shocking even by his emotional standards, Sepp Blatter has warned the Spanish FA that they could be barred from International competition if their government tries to influence the election for their Football Federation (RFEF). The Spanish government has called for all Olympic and non-Olympic sporting bodies to hold elections prior to the Games in Beijing this summer.

Blatter has sent a strong message to those concerned, stating that the national football team could be banned from all competition, including the finals in Austria and Switzerland, if current plans go ahead. Not only this, but the ban would extend to Spanish club sides too, making a Champions League without Barcelona and Real Madrid a distinct possibility.

The FIFA chief stated that ‘Spain is going to find itself in a situation which in the future could be very poorly received by the entire world’. Strong words from a usually toothless beast, but one which has form in this area. Greece were banned for 48 hours in 2006 (old link, old story) a measly punishment, but FIFA were muscle-flexing.

So, what happens next? Only Spain’s government can decide. Unless Blatter forgets all about it.