November 8 – After Algeria’s offer to host Palestinian fixtures was turned down by the game’s authorities, it has now been confirmed that Kuwait will stage their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Australia on November 21.
“As a result of current circumstances in the region, the Asian Football Confederation formally requested that this designated home fixture for Palestine be held at a neutral venue,” Football Australia said in a statement.
The match will be played at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait, five days after Australia opens the second round of Asian qualifying against Bangladesh in Melbourne.
A month of relentless bombardment in Gaza by Israel following the murder of more than 1,400 people during the Hamas October 7 terrorist attack means there is no chance of Palestine hosting their ‘home’ matches
Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said his organisation, the players and the AFC had been in consultation over the Palestine fixture which “prior to the devastating circumstances in Gaza” was originally scheduled for Ramallah in the West Bank.
“We’re putting in place all the right security measures to ensure the players are safe, but also feel comfortable going there,” Johnson said of the Kuwait replacement.
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