CAIRO: World governing body FIFA have warned Egypt and Algeria of any unfortunate incidents which could mar this week s decisive World Cup qualifier at Cairo International Stadium.
With rivalry reaching its climax, Egyptian and Algerian media had a tense exchange of words in the build up to Saturday s anticipated clash.
Despite some attempts to calm things down, there have been no positive signs yet, with both sides hurling accusations at the other.
With less than two weeks to go to the final matchday, 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, Nov. 11 to help facilitate the necessary cooperation and dialogue required for such an important event.
Egypt, who last reached the World Cup in 1990, need to beat Algeria by a three-goal margin to qualify directly for next year s South Africa finals.
A win by a two-goal margin will set up a playoff meeting with the Desert Foxes on a neutral venue.
