Divided Cyprus moves toward football unification as island's officials meet at FIFA

by  Associated Press Divided Cyprus moves toward football unity Associated Press - 5 November 2013 08:14-05:00

ZURICH (AP) — Football officials in Cyprus have agreed on a provisional deal aimed to uniting the island's two football bodies after separating almost 40 years ago.

FIFA says the fully recognized Cyprus Football Association will accept the Cyprus Turkish Football Association from the breakaway north as a member. The sides will form a group to work out details of the agreement.

FIFA says the accord "aims to unify and facilitate the progress of football ... through a relationship based on trust, mutual respect and goodwill."

Cyprus was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded the north after a coup by supporters of union with Greece.

FIFA says Tuesday's agreement, witnessed by FIFA President Sepp Blatter and UEFA President Michel Platini, "only concerns football-related matters."

News Topics: Sports, Men's soccer, Professional soccer, International soccer, Men's sports, Soccer

People, Places and Companies: Michel Platini, Cyprus, Western Europe, Europe

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