FIFA President Sepp Blatter said that he is "determined to solve the Palestinian Football Association’s ongoing problems with Israel in high-level meetings," according to the AP. Blatter told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a meeting on Monday “we shall find a solution,” but that “it will not be so easy to deal on the other side,” meaning Israel. Blatter said that he is meeting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. Blatter "pledged his support," telling Abbas that “your people, but also your football association, is not alone in the world” (AP, 5/26). WAFA reported Abbas said that the Israeli government "puts obstacles in the way" of the Palestine FA's activities "in violation of international law" and the laws of FIFA. Abbas said that the Palestinian FA "is fully committed to the international laws and legislations, yet it’s unfortunately still facing obstacles from the Israeli government" (WAFA, 5/26).
WORLD CUP TICKETS: XINHUA reported FIFA "will offer fans their last chance to attend the World Cup by releasing a final batch of tickets" on Sunday. FIFA Marketing Dir Thierry Weil said that "an undetermined number of seats would go on sale at venue ticketing centers." Weil: "We had to hold on to 7% of seats that were installed after (the last sales phase). We are currently looking to see how many tickets we can sell" (XINHUA, 5/24).
FIFA PRESIDENCY: The AP's Graham Dunbar reported UEFA honorary President Lennart Johansson said that UEFA President Michel Platini "is unlikely to challenge" Blatter next year for the FIFA presidency. Johansson: "I think he will do it (be a FIFA candidate) one day but not now" (AP, 5/25).
