FIFA Give Go Ahead for World Cup Play-Off in Cairo

Egypt has been given permission to host the World Cup play-off return match against Ghana in Cairo, despite concerns over security.

The Ghana Football Association had urged FIFA to find “a safe and secure venue” on neutral territory for the match, due to be played on November 19, after recent violence in the Egyptial capital.

Despite Ghana’s plea, FIFA has today confirmed the match will go ahead in Cairo after a vist by inspectors and a demand for security guarantees from Egypt.

The winners of the play-off will qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, though Egypt trail 6-1 from the first leg.

FIFA pointed to the Confederation of African Football’s decision to stage the African Champions League final at the Air Defense Stadiu on Cairo on November 10 as an indication that the situation is going “back to normal”.