State Department negotiates to bring soccer to Iraq

At least 18,000 black-and-white balls are on their way to Iraq, to be distributed to schools and youth teams throughout the ravaged country.

To keep the American government's fingerprints off the soccer-for-peace initiative, the State Department is negotiating with the U.S. Soccer Foundation to coordinate it. Within a week or two, the foundation and Major League Soccer intend to set up a fund to collect money to send soccer "kits"-corner flags and other equipment-to Iraq.

Still in the planning stages is a U.S.-Iraqi match between all-star or professional teams (although it may have to take place in a safer locale, such as Kuwait).

This do-gooding venture in Iraq may eventually be tried in 10 to 12 predominantly Muslim countries.

"Sports as a tool for public diplomacy," said Herb Giobbi, the foundation's executive director.