ZURICH -Plans to play the next round FIFA of World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the same time have been scrapped by Fifa.
The decision came after participating countries, particularly in west Africa, objected to playing in high daytime temperatures.
Fifa had originally ordered that 22 matches begin at 1300 GMT on 11 October to avoid any side having an advantage.
But a Fifa spokesman said it “proved difficult due to climatic challenges”.
“Therefore, it was decided that matches would be played simultaneously only in those groups where the first and/or second places in the standings have not yet been determined,” the spokesman said.
The matches, across 12 groups, will now be played on both Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October.
The 12 group winners plus eight best runners-up advance to the deciding group phase next year, with 17 of the 20 still up for grabs.
Benin, Cameroon and Nigeria are already assured of their places in the last phase.
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