RAMALLAH — Palestinians are preparing to host their first ever World Cup qualifier Tuesday when their team takes on the United Arab Emirates in the first in a series of high-profile matches in the West Bank. Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestine Football Association, described the match in Group A of the Asian Zone qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup as “historic.” Rajoub said other home matches would be played in the weeks ahead. Upcoming fixtures include home World Cup qualifiers against Saudi Arabia in October and Malaysia in November. Earlier this year, the Palestinians called on FIFA to expel Israel from the qualifying tournament, saying restrictions on player movement were hurting the sport. Israel said the restrictions are security measures. The Palestinians withdrew their petition at the last moment. Asian champion Australia will, meanwhile, play its fifth opening round World Cup qualifier against Kyrgyzstan in Canberra on Nov. 12, Football Federation Australia (FFA) said Monday. The Socceroos, who won their opening two qualifiers against Kyrgyzstan and Bangladesh and face Tajikistan in their third Wednesday, will play their first match in the national capital for four years. — Agencies
