Palestinians slam FIFA for moving Saudi qualifying match

RAMALLAH, West Bank (AP) — The head of the Palestinian Football Union says FIFA's decision to move a World Cup qualifying match against Saudi Arabia to a neutral site is "unjust and reprehensible."

Jibril Rajoub said Tuesday that football's governing body bowed to Saudi pressure by agreeing to relocate the second-leg Oct. 13 match from the West Bank to neighboring Jordan.

Writing to FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Rajoub said he was "shocked" by the decision after the first leg was held in Riyadh. FIFA says the decision is "final and binding." The Palestinians are considering whether to play the match.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation commended FIFA for accepting its request, without explaining the reasons behind it. The Palestinians accuse Saudi Arabia of being wary of appearing too close to Israel by going through its security.

USA TODAY