FIFA have today postponed the World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates because of growing fears of war in the Middle East. The tournament was scheduled to start on March 25, but is now likely to be switched to a later date after the Executive Committee approved president Sepp Blatter's proposal to call it off temporarily.
The Republic of Ireland were to be one of twenty four nations due to compete in the tournament, including England and the USA.
In a statement released this afternoon, Blatter confirmed: "The FIFA Executive Committee has decided to postpone the FIFA 2003 Youth Championships due to be held in the United Arab Emirates from March 25 until April 16 until a later date.The welfare of all parties was always FIFA's prime consideration."
The statement continued: "FIFA regrets having to make this decision because the team of organisers have worked very hard and were ready to host the championship. But we must take into account our responsibilities towards the players and officials as well as towards the media and other parties."
Filed by Shane Murray
