FIFA expresses concern over Lebanon security

GOAL – BEIRUT, Concerns over safety may lead to Lebanon’s World Cup qualifiers being moved to neutral venues after the country’s Football Association received a letter from Fifa asking for clarification regarding its security procedures.

Fifa is said to be concerned with the state of public safety in the nation following the recent spread of violence related to continuing discontent in neighbouring Syria.

After receipt of the letter, Lebanon Football Association (LFA) president Hashem Haidar met with Youth and Sports minister Faisal Karami as well as other government officials in order to prepare a response to Fifa outlining the safety and security measures that will be in place for the two matches in June.

Should Sports City Stadium be declared unsafe for Lebanon’s matches against Qatar on June 3 and Uzbekistan on June 8, the fixtures could instead be held in Jordan, Qatar, or the UAE.