Soccer: Fifa postpone World Cup qualifier

Fifa has postponed Sunday's World Cup qualifier between Israel and Austria.

The sport's body cited security concerns following the in-flight explosion and crash of a Russian chartered airliner heading from Tel Aviv to Siberia.

A statement read: "Following the tragic event that occurred today when a flight from Tel Aviv crashed into the Black Sea, Fifa President Joseph Blatter, mandated by the Emergency Committee of the world football body, has decided that the European Group 7 qualifying match ... should be postponed."

The match had been placed in doubt due to the ongoing violence and suicide bombings against Israeli targets.

Nine Austrian team players - including almost the entire defence - pulled out of the trip to Israel because of their fears about security.

Fifa had earlier ordered the match to go ahead, saying Israeli soccer authorities had given additional security guarantees.