Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has told the country's Football Federation (RFEF) to abide by the law and bring forward its presidential election.
The move heightens tension between Spain and world soccer's governing body FIFA after its president Sepp Blatter threatened to bar their national team from Euro 2008 if the government tried to interfere in the RFEF elections.
"The responsibility of government is to act in a legal manner and make sure others abide by the law," Zapatero told radio station Cadena Ser yesterday.
"The Spanish legal system applies to everyone and a sporting federation has a responsibility because it represents our country in international competitions. They have to abide by the law."
The Spanish government, through the Sports Council, have demanded all sporting federations not involved in the Olympics to hold elections in the first quarter of 2008 - before August's Beijing Games.
A Spanish court last week rejected an appeal from the RFEF to be allowed to delay their election.
On Monday, the RFEF and its president, Angel Maria Villar, disregarded the ruling at a general assembly and agreed to hold a new election by November 26.
Blatter backed the RFEF last month and threatened to bar Spain from international competitions if they continued to pressure the Federation.
"It would be tough, but it would only take six hours to call a FIFA emergency meeting to hear and decide upon Spain's exclusion," Blatter told a media briefing.
"Spain would not be able to play at Euro 2008 and their clubs wouldn't continue in the Champions League or UEFA Cup."
Blatter said FIFA would not be afraid to take action as demonstrated in past conflicts with Portugal and Greece where it had prevailed.
Zapatero, who is standing for re-election tomorrow, said the government would contest any attempt to bar them from this year's European Championship.
"The Spanish government would hold the high ground in a legal battle," he added.
"It is unthinkable that something gained in a sporting competition could be denied in an office. If it happened, we would take the necessary steps."