FIFA and AFC websites have put Al-Ram as the hosting venue for the 2nd leg between Afghanistan and Palestine. Although this cannot be deemed as the final decision, the Afghanistan Olympic Committee claim that both matches will be played in Tajikistan is doubtful now, although the venue for the first leg is confirmed, and that is Tajikistan.
If Afghanistan chooses to play in Palestine, which means they have to make contacts with Israel authorities, this might trigger the criticism inside a society that strongly oppose Israeli regime. Possible demonstrations may follow.
Meanwhile, there is not a guarantee that Israeli regime issues No Objection Letter for Afghanistan tour of Al-Ram. This stance is strengthened by the fact that Israel denied releasing the letter to Palestine authorities for Pakistan friendlies in Al-Ram this week. Both matches were scheduled to be played on May 24 and 27, but they do not happen.
This puts Afghanistan Football Federation in a very difficult situation. One might think they will forfeit the second match. However, they have the right to object to the decision and ask for re-allocation of the venue due to security reasons in the border and inside Palestine.
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