Courtesy Relay – In view of the current world political climate and having carefully weighed up all the options, the FIFA Executive Committee, meeting today (Thursday) in Zurich, has approved FIFA President Joseph. S Blatter’s proposal to postpone the FIFA World Youth Championship 2003 to a later date. The tournament was due to be played in the United Arab Emirates from 25 March – 16 April.
For FIFA President Blatter, the welfare of all parties was always the prime consideration. “FIFA regrets having to make this decision, because the team of local organisers, who have worked tremendously hard, were more than ready to host this tournament. But FIFA must take into account its responsibilities towards the players, officials and other parties, as well as towards the media and spectators.