Poland takes note of FIFA red card warning

WARSAW: Polish soccer officials reportedly struck a last-minute deal with the government yesterday in a bid to avoid a suspension by FIFA from all competitions and a possible loss of the co-hosting rights to the 2012 European Championship.

FIFA gave Poland until noon (1000 GMT) yesterday to reinstate the Polish Football Federation's governing board or face suspension from two upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

UEFA has warned it could strip Poland of its hosting rights of European soccer's showcase event in 2012 if no deal is struck. Poland is due to co-host the tournament with Ukraine.