Palestine to host Saudis in World Cup qualifier
Palestine to host Saudis in World Cup qualifier
FIFA has given the go-ahead for Palestine to host the upcoming qualifier match in the world's most prestigious football tournament.
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Palestine's football team faces more obstacles to international competition than many teams [al-Araby]
FIFA says the Palestinian national football team will host a postponed World Cup qualifying match against Saudi Arabia on home territory on November 5.
The agreement by FIFA's new panel overseeing World Cup qualification is a belated diplomatic victory for suspended President Sepp Blatter.
Before being barred from office this month, Blatter hosted talks in Zurich after the Saudi football federation initially refused to play in Ramallah on October 13.
Palestinian officials accused Saudi Arabia of being wary of appearing too close to Israel by observing its security procedures.
Arab teams have traditionally refused to play in Palestine's West Bank on the grounds that it "normalises" Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory.
FIFA originally said the match could be played in Jordan on its scheduled date.
"The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has given full security guarantees for the rescheduled match," said FIFA in a statement.
"FIFA has agreed to appoint a security officer who will work hand in hand with the Palestine authorities to supervise the security plan and make sure that the match is played in very good conditions."
Saudi Arabia lead Group A in the second round of Asian qualifying after winning all their first four games. Palestine are third with five points.
The agreement by FIFA's new panel overseeing World Cup qualification is a belated diplomatic victory for suspended President Sepp Blatter.
Before being barred from office this month, Blatter hosted talks in Zurich after the Saudi football federation initially refused to play in Ramallah on October 13.
Palestinian officials accused Saudi Arabia of being wary of appearing too close to Israel by observing its security procedures.
Arab teams have traditionally refused to play in Palestine's West Bank on the grounds that it "normalises" Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory.
FIFA originally said the match could be played in Jordan on its scheduled date.
"The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has given full security guarantees for the rescheduled match," said FIFA in a statement.
"FIFA has agreed to appoint a security officer who will work hand in hand with the Palestine authorities to supervise the security plan and make sure that the match is played in very good conditions."
Saudi Arabia lead Group A in the second round of Asian qualifying after winning all their first four games. Palestine are third with five points.
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