Blatter says he is making progress in Palestinian-Israeli soccer row

RAMALLAH, West Bank --

FIFA President Sepp Blatter says he is making process in resolving a spat between Palestinian and Israeli soccer leaders and hopes to avoid a vote to suspend Israel.

Blatter says progress was made after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday. But he says one obstacle remains because the Palestinians are demanding that Israeli teams based in settlements in the West Bank be banned.

Palestinians say Israeli security restrictions are limiting the movement of Palestinian players, visiting teams and soccer equipment. Israel has cited security concerns, especially in Gaza, while its soccer association says the issue is political and beyond its control.