Malaysia has refused an entry visa to Michael Almogi, chairman of the Israel Football (soccer) Association, to attend a conference of the Asian Football Confederation in Kuala Lumpur Sunday at which the Israeli sports group is expected to be ousted from the confederation.
Israel, which is one of the founders of the confederation, has argued that although the Kuwait-sponsored resolution to oust Israel will no doubt be adopted, Israel is entitled to have a representative at the discussion. Almogi said the refusal to grant him a visa is a flagrant violation of any concept of fair play.
Meanwhile, Almogi is leaving this week for Zurich to discuss his request that the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) intervene and prevent a discussion on the Kuwaiti resolution. While Israel expects FIFA to take a strong stand against the increasing involvement of politics in sports. It does not expect the Asian Football Confederation to change its plans to oust Israel.
If the ouster goes through, Israel expects to be admitted to the European Football Confederation. The Israeli basketball league already participates in the European federation.
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