© EuroFootball.com
The International Football Association (FIFA) together with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) officially expressed concern over the decision of the Kaunas District Court, which decided to temporarily suspend the President of the Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF) due to non-compliance with the statutes of both international organizations and the negative consequences that may result from it for the LFF.
On Friday, the LFF received a joint official letter signed by the leaders of FIFA and UEFA. In it, the LFF is obliged to inform the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania, the General Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Lithuania, and other institutions about the official position of both organizations on the decision of the Kaunas City District Court of August 30, 2012 (to apply a procedural measure - temporarily suspend LFF President Julius Kvedaras for a period of 6 months).
FIFA and UEFA stated that the said court decision is "worrying" because it contradicts articles 13 and 17 of the FIFA statutes and article 7bis of the UEFA statutes. These articles specify that the activities of FIFA and UEFA members cannot be influenced by third parties. Therefore, according to FIFA and UEFA, any removal or temporary suspension of LFF officials, clubs, or members can only be carried out through the appropriate LFF bodies and in accordance with the LFF statutes.
FIFA and UEFA assured that "although they understand the desire of law enforcement institutions to clarify suspicions of criminal acts, the unilateral temporary suspension of the LFF President does not comply with the requirements of the FIFA and UEFA statutes and may have negative consequences for the Lithuanian Football Federation."
