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FIFA take stand over Zurich stadium plans

"In principle, FIFA does not support any project which does not correspond to its philosophy," football's governing body said in a statement sent to Reuters.

"In respect to the planned stadium construction in Zurich, that means that if the plans are maintained to reserve some places for standing fans, FIFA must rethink its commitment to the promised 20 million Swiss francs.

"FIFA is convinced, that all-seater stadiums guarantee more comfort and, above all, more safety. Therefore, FIFA argue for stadiums which exclusively for seated fans."

Both clubs currently stage matches at the Letzigrund athletics stadium, which was used as one of Switzerland's four venues when the country co-hosted Euro 2008 with Austria.

Standing fans are banned in all competitions organised by FIFA and European football's governing body UEFA, including the World Cup qualifying tournaments, Champions League and European Championships.