Blatter says U20 World Cup in Turkey to go ahead
Blatter says Under-20 World Cup in Turkey to go ahead despite anti-government riots
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) -- FIFA President Sepp Blatter says the Under-20 World Cup will go ahead next week despite anti-government protests in Turkey.
The 24-nation tournament is set to start June 21 in seven cities in Turkey, which has faced nearly two weeks of the biggest anti-government protests in decades.
Blatter said Wednesday FIFA was in contact with Turkish "political authorities, especially with the security." He adds that "the guarantees have been given and I am sure that nothing will happen."
He says the tournament "is a good opportunity to show that football can bring people together. We shall stay there and I am sure that political authorities in Turkey are aware of that."
Blatter was in Serbia on an official visit.
