Visa problems for Israelis threaten London soccer club's Asian tour

The Chelsea soccer team has threatened to cancel a match in Malaysia unless visas are granted to its Israeli members. Peter Kenyon, an official of the London club, told Israeli radio that the upcoming Asia tour by the English soccer club could be canceled unless the visa problem is corrected. A Chelsea player, Tal Ben Haim, and coach Avram Grant hold Israeli citizenship. Malaysia does not officially recognize Israel and has no diplomatic relations with it. According to media reports, the Malaysia Football Association will ask the government of the predominantly Muslim country to issue special visas to the two Israelis.