Singapore clash with Palestine to go ahead

SINGAPORE, Nov 14 (Reuters) Singapore's Asian Cup clash with Palestine tomorrow will go ahead, the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed.

''The Group E qualifying match is on and it will take place as scheduled on Wednesday at (Singapore's) Jalan Besar Stadium,'' AFC Assistant General Secretary Clare Kenny said.

Neither Singapore nor Palestine can qualify for next year's finals with Iraq and 2004 Asian Cup hosts China having already guaranteed their places.

The Palestine Football Association (PFA) had requested that the match be postponed, fearing its team might not be able to leave the Middle East, Singaporean media reported on Sunday.

Palestine's borders have been closed because of the conflict in the region.

The 2007 Asian Cup will be co-hosted by Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia from July 7-29.

Reuters PM GC0912