ASUNCION, Paraguay -- Chile could be kicked out of the World Cup unless Chilean club Rangers drops a court case by Dec. 3 contesting its disputed demotion to the second division of the national soccer league.
CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American soccer, said Thursday it was notified by FIFA about the possible sanction.
Rangers were deducted three points for using six foreign players - the limit is five - in a league match on Nov. 8. The three points cost them relegation to the second division, and last week they appealed the case to a Chilean court.
Chile, which has not played in the World Cup since 1998, is one of five South American nations that have qualified for next year's tournament in South Africa.
"We beseech your association to call on your affiliated club... to withdraw the case it took to the Chilean courts of justice within the next 72 hours or... announce the pertinent sanctions against your affiliated club," a FIFA letter sent to Chile's Football Association (ANFP) said.
Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay have also qualified.
The appeal by Rangers has forced the Chilean league to suspend play in its postseason playoffs.
"If Rangers don't drop the case, then FIFA could expel (the national federation) because they can't expel a club," Harold Mayne-Nicholls, president of the Chilean federation, said on radio Agricultura. "This could bring consequences that would be deadly for Chilean football."
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