Soccer strike possible in Norway

OSLO, Norway, May 5 (UPI) -- Negotiations between Norwegian soccer players and a team owners' association broke down Friday, making a strike more likely.

The dispute now goes to mediation, the newspaper Aftenposten reported, in an attempt to avert a strike immediately after the start of the season.

A walkout would begin May 19 unless the conflict is resolved.

At the heart of the dispute between the owners' organization, NHO, and the players' union, NISO, are insurance and a fund to help players get an education and recover from injuries.

The NHO says that the union demand for a standard insurance package for players is not feasible financially. The union also wants 2 percent of radio and television revenue to go into the fund.