2022 World Cup: FIFA changes rule for two play-off games

FIFA has changed the 2022 World Cup qualifying format for the intercontinental playoffs to single-leg games at a neutral venue.

The winners of the matches will take the last two spots at next year’s tournament in Qatar.

FIFA, in a statement on Friday, cited “unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic” when scheduling the games for June.

The world football governing body has, however, not confirmed a host for the two games, which will be played on June 13 and 14.

The playoffs will involve teams from AFC (Asia), CONMEBOL (South America), OFC (Oceania) and CONCACAF (North American and Caribbean region).

FIFA will make the World Cup tournament draw on April 1 in Doha. Only 30 of the 32 qualifiers will be known at the time, with the intercontinental playoffs still to come.

The draw for the intercontinental playoffs will be on November 26. The World Cup is scheduled to start on November 21, with the final on December 18.

More News

President Buhari to Embark on Eight-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia, Perform Umrah

On Tuesday morning, President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an eight-day state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to perform...

Senator-Elect Yar’Adua Commits to Delivering Change for Katsina Central District

Senator-elect Abdul’aziz Yar’Adua of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Katsina Central Senatorial District has vowed to deliver on his campaign promises to the...

Police Arrest Suspect in Brutal Killing of Pregnant Girlfriend in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested Philibus Ibrahim, who allegedly strangled his pregnant girlfriend, 22-year-old Theresa Yakubu, in Tudun Wada Local Government Area...

2023 Polls: Group warns Governor Matawalle over inciting comments, blaming Nigerian military

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), a Civil Society Organisation, has accused Governor Bello Matawalle of displaying undemocratic tendencies following his...