Azkals-Kuwait match an authorized friendly

World football governing body FIFA clarified that the exhibition game between the Philippine Azkals and Kuwait Al Azraq last week is a FIFA full international "A-match."


FIFA has earlier taken down the friendly in their list of recognized exhibition games, citing that it was not an authorized game.

This led to the nullification of the Azkals’ 2-1 loss to Kuwait.

But in a report posted on the Azkals’ official website, FIFA clarified that the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which is also under FIFA, has authorized the match.

"We were just informed now that AFC authorized this match. So it will be back a A-match. We apologize for that," FIFA told the Azkals’ official website.


This means that game’s result will affect the ratings of Kuwait and the Philippines in the FIFA world rankings for November.