FIFA delegation visits Gaza to boost local soccer
GAZA CITY - A delegation from world soccer's governing body is visiting the Gaza Strip to give a boost to local football.
The FIFA delegation arrived in Gaza on Monday after a five-hour delay at an Israeli border crossing. Delegation leader David Borja says the visit - the first by FIFA in 12 years - will be the start of "very good cooperation."
Abdulsalam Haniya, a member of the Palestine Olympic Committee, said the delegation is visiting two soccer stadiums that were damaged by Israeli airstrikes. Palestinian militants launched rockets from one of the stadiums in 2012.
The delegation is also donating money to build 20 soccer fields with artificial turf.
