Football
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FIFA's Sepp Blatter claims progress made in Israel-Palestine spat

FIFA President Sepp Blatter says he is making progress in resolving a spat between Palestinian and Israeli soccer leaders and hopes to avoid a vote to suspend Israel.

Blatter says progress was made after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. But he says one obstacle remains because the Palestinians are demanding that Israeli teams based in settlements in the West Bank be banned.

Blatter is scheduled to meet Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Wednesday.

Palestinians say Israeli security restrictions are limiting the movement of Palestinian players, visiting teams and soccer equipment. Israel has cited security concerns, especially in Gaza, while its soccer association says the issue is political and beyond its control.

Blatter, who fashions himself as a peacemaker, said he hoped to reach a quick solution to the crisis and perhaps even spark further cooperation between the sides.

"Football is more than a game. Football has the power to connect people. Football has the power to construct bridges," he said on Tuesday. "Football shall unite people and not divide people."

As part of his vision of using sports as a bridge between people, Blatter proposed holding a peace match in Zurich between the Israeli and Palestinian national teams -- an offer Israeli federation president, Ofer Eini, immediately accepted.

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