Algerian Good Intention For The Palestinian National Team Not Receiving Blessing From FIFA

FIFA. (Photo: Doc. FIFA)

JAKARTA - Algeria's offer to provide temporary headquarters for the Palestinian national team in the 2026 World Cup Qualification is not as smooth as the plan. The good intention did not get the blessing of FIFA as the highest football federation.

The Palestinian national team's situation has become unfavorable following the conflict between Hamas and Israel on the Gaza Strip. The Palestinian national team is most likely unable to play in their own country due to security concerns.

The Palestinian national team last played home games in their own country in 2019. After that, they have to play in other countries when they play home matches.

On November 21, the Palestinian national team will again receive a schedule to compete with the status of the host. The Palestinian national team will face Australia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Algeria has offered the Palestinian Football Association a temporary home to the Daboub Makram forces. However, quoted from Inside Worldfootball on Tuesday, October 24, Algeria's desire to become a temporary home for Palestine was opposed by FIFA.

FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) prohibit Palestine from playing outside Asia.

FIFA rules do say that the national team cannot play World Cup Qualification matches outside of its geographical confederation area.

The Palestinian national team is under the auspices of the AFC so they must continue to play home games in Asia even though they cannot play in their own country.

After the FIFA ban emerged, it was not confirmed that the stadium Palestinians used to compete to host Australia. The situation will certainly disrupt the preparations for Palestine and Australia.