The FIFA World Youth Championship 2003 due to be held in the United Arab Emirates has been postponed until November by FIFA today following concerns over stability of the region.
The tournament was due to take place between March 25th to April 16th but will now be staged from November 27th to December 19th.
Negotiations had been ongoing between the United Arab Emirates Football Association and Jack A. Warner, chairman of the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Youth Championship.
However the decision to keep the tournament in the UAE has been welcomed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, as has the federation's patience and cooperation.
"I am delighted that FIFA will be able to hold this major tournament in the UAE as originally planned. The Local Organising Committee has worked so hard to guarantee the success of the event that it would have been unfair to move it elsewhere," commented Blatter
I would like to thank the United Arab Emirates Football Association and its President for the cooperation, understanding, trust and support in recent weeks," Blatter added.