Because of war
Deciding that the political climate in the Middle East posed a threat to the safety of the players, FIFA has postponed the World Youth Cup. Abeer Anwar reports
FIFA's Executive Committee, meeting in Zurich last Thursday, decided to postpone the World Youth Football Cup because of the looming possibility of war. The tournament was due to be played in the United Arab Emirates from 25 March to 16 April.
The postponement of the 24-team tournament for players under 20 years old was first proposed by FIFA President Joseph Blatter who said the tournament was unlikely to be moved from the UAE.
FIFA said 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."
Teams due to take part in the tournament in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah included the United States, England, Australia and Spain.
US and Canadian soccer officials backed FIFA's decision. "We have been monitoring this situation very closely since we qualified in November, and fully support the FIFA decision to postpone the tournament," said US Soccer president Robert Contiguglia. "The security of our players, coaches and administrators is always paramount in our planning for any international or domestic event, and if there are any concerns to those arrangements in staging the event at this time, then you have to applaud this decision."
Grouped with Paraguay, South Korea and Germany, the US was scheduled to depart for Abu Dhabi on 19 March.
"We understand that safety for the team in this setting is more important than a soccer tournament, and this is a situation that warrants caution," said Thomas Rongen, coach of the US men's under-20 national team. "We will still have this group ready and prepared for when the time comes to play.
"This group of players has worked extremely hard and is looking forward to showing their ability on the world stage."
Canadian officials said they were disappointed by the postponement but understood and supported the move. "Obviously we are disappointed because we have been preparing for the tournament for some time," said Canadian coach Dale Mitchell.
"With the events going on, it's understandable that it has been deemed unsafe for us to go down there and we respect the decision."
But UAE organisers and football federation officials said FIFA's decision had been hasty. "We took great security measures to organise the championship even if war starts," one football federation said. Officials said they would appeal the decision next week. If FIFA did not change its position, the officials said the federation expected to be refunded, citing a number of contracts with advertising agencies and transportation agencies.
Despite the postponement, Egypt is going ahead with its warm-up matches to stay in shape. It has friendly matches with Ireland and Mexico on 15 and 19 March. "The players have to train regularly and be in shape as the championship can be held at any time," coach Hassan Shehata said.
The youth soccer championship, first introduced in 1977, is held every two years. Argentina is the reigning champion after winning on its home turf in 2001. The United Arab Emirates is the fourth Arab country to host the event. Tunisia started the ball rolling in 1977, followed by Saudi Arabia in 1989 and Qatar in 1995.
Al-Ahram Weekly Online : 13 - 19 March 2003 (Issue No. 629)
Located at: http://weekly.ahram.org.eg/2003/629/sp3.htm