SOCCER: The threat of war against Iraq has prompted FIFA to postpone the World Youth championships due to be held in the United Arab Emirates from March 25th to April 16th.

The Football Association of Ireland said they were disappointed for the squad of players who were due to play in the UAE, but added that they understood FIFA's decision and were looking forward to news of a rescheduling of the championships.

"I'm devastated for the players," admitted Ireland manager Gerry Smith.

"After all, they are the ones who would be playing on the big stage and it is disappointing they have lost this chance.

"Hopefully, it will only be for a short spell and the situation can return to where it will be possible to play the championships at a later date."

Smith outlined that he would be keen that the friendly match which had been arranged for a venue in Ireland with Egypt for Saturday, March 15th, as a run-up to the UAE Championships should still go ahead.

"I don't see why we should not go ahead with the match against Egypt. They are already in Slovakia and they may still want to come and play us.

"They are the African champions and at least it will give our team a game and it will give me a chance to meet the players."

The executive committee of FIFA said it had taken the decision at the request of their president Sepp Blatter for whom "the well being of all the competitors" was the primary concern.

Twenty-four teams qualified for the event including the United States, Australia, England and Spain - countries favouring an armed intervention in Iraq.

FIFA said it would monitor the international situation before announcing new dates for the competition.