FIFA Warn Egypt & Algeria Ahead World Cup Qualifying Showdown

With tension rising and the stakes very high, world football ruling body FIFA have warned Egypt and Algeria against any ugly incidents which could mar Saturday's all-important World Cup qualifier at the Cairo International Stadium.

Egypt and Algeria have a bitter regional rivalry and this has been further fueled by exchanges between the media of both countries leading to the crunch World Cup qualifier.

"We have been informed directly and via the media of some tensions leading up to this decisive day," FIFA said in a letter sent to the football associations of both countries.

"In this regard, we feel it is timely to remind you that FIFA is clearly monitoring all the activities around this matchday.

"FIFA reconfirms that the preliminary competition for the 2010 World Cup should end as it began, in the spirit of fair play with the necessary cooperation of all the parties.

"In this context, please note that the FIFA delegation will arrive one day earlier in Cairo, namely on Wednesday 11 November to help facilitate the necessary cooperation and dialogue required for such an important event."

Egypt, who last featured at the World Cup in 1990, need to beat Algeria by three clear goals to qualify directly for next year's finals in South Africa.

A win by a two-goal margin by the African champions would set up a play-off against the Algerians on a neutral venue.

Samm Audu, Goal.com