Two of the world’s foremost authorities in international sports met here with Israeli officials during the past few days to try to reassure the sports fraternity here that they would be doing everything in their power to aid Israel in their difficulties with international sports federations.
Dr. Joao Havelenge of Brazil, the head of the International Football Association, here to add his presence to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Israeli Soccer Federation, advised this writer, “Although Israel has been forced out of the Asian Soccer Federation, I will do everything possible to have them admitted to the European Confederation.”
Israel has been voted out of the Asian Soccer Federation due to the duplicity of Japan which combined with the Arab League and countries beholden to Arab countries for oil. As a result, the local football fraternities are disturbed as to where its teams will be playing on an international level. Havelenge, in a lengthy speech delivered in French to the Israelis, assured them he would help them overcome difficulties which have arisen.
WILL TRY TO REMOVE SANCTIONS
The other international sports figure, Adrian Paulen of Holland, head of the International Track and Field Federation, likewise has indicated he will cooperate fully in its quest. Paulen advised this writer:
“If the people running the Asian games, upcoming next year, persist in their efforts to deprive Israel of participating in international Olympic committee approved games, I for one, shall make every attempt to have the sanction for games removed just as soon as it is determined definitely that the people here will not be permitted to perform. We were successful in the past when this situation arose, particularly with the Mediterranean games which has now become past history. There is no reason whatsoever why Israel should be driven out of competition with its neighbors on the Asian continent. We cannot countenance this type of discrimination.”
It so happens Paulen was visiting Israel at the same time as the Dutch national team which performed against the Israeli soccer eleven team, last Wednesday. The Israelis gathered to fete both sports luminaries at a cocktail party and felt immediately relieved after the words of comfort were uttered by these international leaders in soccer and track and field.
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