Brasília, 3/21/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Ministry of Foreign Relations reports that all Brazilain embassies in the Arab world have been asked to see that Brazilian soccer players who are members of teams in that region are not in danger and assist them if they wish to leave because of the war.

Itamaraty reports that it has information to the effect that some players in Turkey are not being allowed to leave the country. Among them is Viola (a World Cup soccer player), who plays for Gaziantepspor. The Brazilian embassy in Switzerland has been instructed to contact FIFA regarding the problem. (AB)