WORLD YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP: FIFA postpones under-20 championship in the UAE

As expected, FIFA postponed the World Youth Championship, scheduled to start March 25 in the United Arab Emirates, because of the threat of war in the Middle East.

FIFA hopes to play the tournament later in the year in the UAE, but it must wait until the outcome of the Iraq crisis.

''FIFA regrets having to make this decision but must take into account its responsibilities towards the players, officials and other parties as well as towards the media and spectators,'' said FIFA president Sepp Blatter.