Palestine may be forced to leave squad members behind for Asian Cup in Australia

ASIAN Cup organisers remain confident Palestine will send a full-strength squad to next month’s tournament in Australia despite fears to the contrary.

ASIAN Cup organisers remain confident Palestine will send a full-strength squad to next month’s tournament in Australia despite the country’s football association boss expressing fears to the contrary.

Jibril Al Rajoub said travel restrictions enforced by Israel may prevent some Palestinian players from entering Australia.

Palestine was the last team to qualify for the 16-team Asian Cup, its first major tournament, when it won May’s AFC Challenge Cup.

But Al Rajoub said six players were prevented from travelling to the Maldives for that tournament.

“I am sure that some of them will not (be allowed to travel),” Al Rajoub said.

“I hope we can take everybody, but despite that we have no other choice. We have determination and we will continue no matter whether the Israelis will allow everyone to come.”

Tensions between the Palestine FA and Israel escalated last week when Israeli forces raided the organisation’s headquarters, an act which was condemned by FIFA and the AFC.

All countries must finalise their 23-man Asian Cup squads by December 29.

“We have always expected Palestine to send a full team and have received no advice to the contrary,” an Asian Cup local organising committee spokesman said.

Palestine, ranked 113, is in Group D alongside Japan, Iraq and Jordan and will play Jordan at AAMI Park on January 16.

Originally published as Palestine may be forced to leave squad members behind for Asian Cup in Australia