Palestine cleared to play World Cup qualifier at home

FIFA gives green signal for match against Saudi Arabia to take place on November 5.

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Saudi Arabia had initially refused to play in Palestine [Getty Images]

Palestine will be allowed to stage their World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on home territory next month following a decision by FIFA.

Saudi Arabia had declined to play the fixture last month, saying they could not travel to the Palestinian territories. It does not recognise Israel and its team would have to pass through an Israeli border post to reach Palestine’s Faisal Husseini stadium in Al-Ram.

However, FIFA said that its organising committee for the World Cup qualifying competition had “unanimously agreed” that the game would go ahead in Palestine on November 5.

“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.

Source: Reuters