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FIFA says production of World Cup knife souvenirs halted
ZURICH (AP) -- The world governing body of soccer said today the production of souvenir pocket knives commemorating this year's World Cup in France had been halted.French companies making the retractable hunting knives had agreed to stop production following a FIFA request to its marketing partner ISL Worldwide, a spokesman for the Zurich-based body said on condition of anonymity.
The companies also will try to restrict the sale of existing knives, which have been available across France, said the spokesman.
The move comes after British Home Secretary Jack Straw was highly critical of the plan in the House of Commons. He said it was sending out "entirely the wrong message to sell knives as part of memorabilia for football games."
FIFA has said it was unaware knives were being produced by the Opinel company under a license granted by ISL.
"At FIFA, we consider these articles are not appropriate for carrying the World Cup logo," the spokesman said today.
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