Kampala (Uganda), Jul 23 (IANS): World football governing body FIFA has warned Uganda of a possible suspension if the government interferes with the running of the sport in the East African country.

In a letter dated July 19 sent to the Uganda government, FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke said any actions or measures taken unilaterally against the structures or the status of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) would be considered as interference and the case would be brought to FIFA for appropriate sanctions, which could include suspension, reports Xinhua.

Valcke was responding to a letter sent last week by Uganda's Minister of Education and Sports Jessica Alupo indicating that they needed audience with FIFA regards to the illegality of the FUFA.

The minister stated that it had been clarified to her that FUFA, whose affiliation to FIFA in 1959 was supported by the Uganda government, has since 2009 operated as FUFA Ltd, a private company Ltd by guarantee which is inconsistent with the law.

"We would like to remind you that all FIFA member associations have to manage their affairs independently and without influence of any third parties as clearly stipulated in articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA Statutes," said Valcke.

He said the legal status of FUFA had already been the subject of debate in 2012 when FUFA had informed FIFA that according to the local laws, the national football body had to be registered as an association but also as a limited company if such a body wanted to own properties.

He said the National Council of Sports, the national sports regulator confirmed that they had no reservations on the status of FUFA Ltd.