FIFA to create anti-racism team

World soccer's governing body FIFA is planning to create a group of anti-racism ambassadors to tackle discrimination in the game.

Headed by France and Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, the group will consist of leading players and coaches from the past and present.

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"But I believe that this is something that we will eventually deal with."

Blatter, wearing a black wristband in support of racial equality, said Henry had already indicated his support, adding the player was "proud" to accept the role.

The FIFA president said that it would expand its existing anti-racism campaign, with particular focus on the next round of qualifying matches for the 2006 World Cup.

GOAL-LINE TECHNOLOGY

FIFA also announced it was awarding the 2007 edition of the world under-17 championship to South Korea, with the tournament finals being expanded from 16 to 24 teams.

It also confirmed that new goal-line technology aimed at determining if the ball has fully entered the goal would be tried out at this year's under-17 world championship in Peru.

Blatter also said that FIFA's finances were in good shape but added that details would not be made public until the governing body held its financial news conference in Zurich next month.

The executive committee, meanwhile, said the salaries of their members would be boosted.

Executive committee members will now receive $100,000 a year from FIFA, doubling the previous amount.

Blatter said the increase had been proposed by the organisation's finance committee and reflected the increased workload and travel required of the executive committee.