Fifa congress risks stoking locals’ sensitivities with Israelis present, says DPM
According to the deputy prime minister, it is better for Malaysia to not host the event as the presence of Israeli delegates and the Middle Eastern country’s flag may allegedly stir the sensitivities of Malaysians.
“We have a policy that we cannot accept countries with whom we have no diplomatic ties, what more with the flag which would have to be hung outside the conference and on the tables,” he told the media after chairing the Cabinet Committee on Disasters meeting today.
The media had earlier asked for Zahid's comments on Israeli delegates to the congress who allegedly had trouble obtaining travel documents into Malaysia.
“The risks are too high compared to the benefits so it’s better if we avoid being the host to the conference because we understand the sensitivities in our country,” he added.
He added that while sporting events are universal, it did not negate the need to adhere to local sentiments.
“Even though sports is for all we need to look at the aspects that have risks and sensitivities when organising it,” Zahid said.
According to sports portal Four Four Two, Fifa informed the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) on Tuesday that Malaysia’s hosting rights for Fifa’s 2017 congress have been revoked because some delegates reportedly faced difficulty obtaining travel visas.
FAM has kept mum so far but is expected to raise the issue during an executive committee meeting on Monday.
Among the countries for which there was difficulty obtaining travel visas was Israel, with whom Malaysia does not have a diplomatic relationship, meaning their citizens are unable to travel freely between both countries.
Malaysia was awarded the hosting rights in 2013, and this congress was scheduled to hold the voting session that will decide the host nation of the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
from Malay Mail Online | All http://ift.tt/2aOALtK
Today updated news promoted by Mukah Pages
Post a Comment