Friday, April 07, 2006

FIFA seeks answers over Israeli missile strike

Friday 07 April 2006, 14:49 Makka Time, 11:49 GMT

Football's world governing body, FIFA, says it is considering possible action over an Israeli air attack last week on a football field in the Gaza Strip.

Jerome Champagne, FIFA deputy general secretary in charge of political issues, said on Friday the attack was a direct strike without any reason.

He said the field was not being used by Palestinians as a missile launching pad, as Israel's ambassador to Switzerland had claimed.

"We have just asked for explanations," Champagne said.

"FIFA has been fighting for more than a century to make this game universal. To hit a football field is really the wrong signal."

Champagne said he had discussed the matter with Sepp Blatter, the FIFA president, and that a decision would likely be announced early next week.

He declined to elaborate on what action FIFA could take against Israel.

"Football should remain outside of politics," Champagne said.

Source: al Jazeera
http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/F4F083B3-3A51-42F0-8FC8-D6C5522CC1EC.htm

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