Divided Cyprus Moves Toward Soccer Unity

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) ? Football leaders in Cyprus have edged toward unification, though their provisional deal still leaves Turkish-Cypriot clubs denied access to the Champions League. The tentative agreement offers hope for a political breakthrough on the Mediterranean island, which has been divided since 1974 into an internationally recognized Greek-speaking south and a Turkish-speaking north. Still, the accord fell short of inviting clubs from the north into the league organized by the Cyprus Football Association, whose champions and cup winners qualify for Europe?s top competitions. ?It doesn?t satisfy me 100 percent but later meetings will be able to satisfy me 100 percent,? Cyprus Turkish Football Association president Hasan Sertoglu told The Associated Press.

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