UEFA Rules Out FIFA Congress and Election Boycott: Dutch Federation President Van Praag
UEFA member Israel needs the European body's backing to avoid a Palestinian bid to have them expelled from FIFA which could be voted on during the congress.
UEFA will not boycott FIFA's congress and presidential election in Zurich on Friday, Dutch federation president Michael van Praag said following a meeting of the European governing body. (FIFA Presidential Election Should be Postponed: UEFA)
"There will be no UEFA boycott because there are also (apart from the presidential election) important issues to be decided like the Israel/Palestine question," said van Praag on Thursday. (Diego Maradona Cheers FIFA Arrests)
UEFA member Israel needs the European body's backing to avoid a Palestinian bid to have them expelled from FIFA which could be voted on during the congress. (South Africa Deny Bribes Paid to Host World Cup 2010)
Palestine, which has been a FIFA member since 1998, wants the governing body to expel Israel over its restrictions on the movement of Palestinian players. (US Indicts nine officials, five businessmen)