The International Soccer Federation lifted its ban...

The International Soccer Federation lifted its ban on English soccer clubs playing in European exhibition matches.

Joseph Blatter, secretary general of the FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, said the partial lifting of the ban, which was imposed after a May riot in Brussels that left 38 people dead, was a unanimous decision by members of the federation’s disciplinary committee.

English clubs will not be able to play in competitions like the European Cup, for the FIFA decision applies only to exhibitions.