Britain bans Gaza football team

There are few proper pitches for Palestinians to play football in Gaza

A Palestinian football team has been banned from playing in Britain, because officials apparently believe they will not return to Gaza.

The Gaza under-19s team had been invited to play British football clubs Chester City and Blackburn Rovers.

The team's visa applications were rejected after every member failed to meet entry criteria, said a spokesman for the British consulate in Jerusalem.

The consulate said it regretted being unable to support a worthy cause.

'Players depressed'