Palestinians rejected an offer to team with Israelis in a soccer match against world powerhouse Barcelona in an exhibition match designed to promote peace.
According to the Associated Press, Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub met with Barcelona President Sandro Rosell on Friday and said there were a lot of “obstacles,” but it would be a “good idea, a dream to become true if the occupation ends.”
Rossell made the proposal with Israeli President Shimon Peres on Thursday. Both believed soccer brings down barriers.
Palestinians were angered when Barca gave a ticket to one of their matches to freed Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit in 2012 even though Palestinian leaders have attended Barca games in Spain in the past.
FC Barca, which lost to AC Milan this week, features the world’s best player in Lionel Messi and is known for skillfully maintaining possession of the ball throughout most of the match.
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