By Mark Baber
March 17 – FIFA has postponed the Pakistan v Yemen World Cup qualifier, which had been scheduled for today, following Sunday’s twin bombings aimed at Christians in Lahore.
The two suicide bomb blasts at the gates of St John’s Catholic Church and Christ Church killed at least 15 people and wounded another 70. A further two people, believed by an enraged mob to have been involved in the bombings, were burnt to death in the aftermath.
A spokesman for a splinter group of the Pakistani Taliban, which rejoined the Pakistani Taliban just days ago, claimed responsibility for the bombings, saying more were on the way.
Following the attack, the Yemen team, already in the city, were unwilling to proceed with the game, even though Pakistan offered to play behind closed doors.
FIFA issued a statement, saying: “Due to safety and security reasons and in coordination with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), FIFA has decided to postpone the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Pakistan and Yemen which was due to be played on Tuesday 17 March, in Lahore.”
“Further details on the date of the match, which will take place in a neutral venue, will follow in due time.”
Faisal Saleh Hayat, the President of the Pakistan Football Federation told local media: “It’s all in FIFA’s hands. It’s a very difficult time for Pakistan football because we get these events after such long gaps. It will be very unfortunate if this chance goes away.”
Pakistan lost the first leg 3-1 and the job of winning the tie will be that much more difficult in a neutral venue.
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