Chile Safe For 2010 World Cup As Rangers Talca Back Down After FIFA Threat

A report earlier on Friday suggested that Chile could lose their spot at the 2010 World Cup after local club Rangers Talca challenged their relegation from Chile's top tier in court.

This act was not viewed with approval from FIFA, and the game's governing body gave the Chilean Football Federation 72 hours to halt Rangers' attempt to prevent their relegation.

This ultimatum has proved enough for administration-struck Rangers to back down.

"Following the arrival of the FIFA communique, the creditors called on me to withdraw the case filed in the courts of justice in order not to prejudice the club," administrator Cristian Herrera told CDF.

Fans of Chile will be relieved that what appeared to be a long-shot bid by Rangers to stay in the top division won't jeopardise their first World Cup finals campaign in 12 years.