Chile Internal Relationships Could End Nation's World Cup Hopes

November 27, 2009 9:05 a.m. EST

Just when the dust was beginning to settle on the controversial World Cup Qualifying playoffs and clubs were set for South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, an domestic dispute in Chile erupted.

The argument stems from a Chilean league match on November 8, when Rangers reportedly fielded six foreign players.

Chilean League rules limit wach club to only five foreign players in any game and Rangers were duly docked three points for the infringement.

The docked points cost Rangers their First Division status and the club began an appeal which has forced the league to delay its playoff matches until the dispute is resolved.

CONMEBOL, who govern South American soccer, confirmed that FIFA informed them that banning the national side was a possible sanction it could impose if the argument cannot be solved.

Rangers have been urged, for the greater good of Chilean football, to drop their appeal.

With the draw for the World Cup finals due to be made on December 4, they better decide fast.