Algeria match called off after Egypt game cancelled

Algeria's friendly international against Tunisia scheduled for next Wednesday has been called off because there is not a suitable stadium available to stage the match, the country's soccer federation said.

The game, a warm-up for the African Nations Cup qualifiers in March, is the latest international to be cancelled in the volatile north African region after the weekend decision by the U.S. not to visit Egypt for a friendly on the same day.

"The only two stadiums capable of hosting the match, in Algiers and Annaba are both unavailable," said an Algerian Football Federation statement. "With the advice of the two coaches, we have postponed the game to a date in the future."

A revolt in Tunisia has already toppled the government of Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and Egypt's president Hosni Mubarak said on Tuesday he would step down at the end of his term in September after protests aimed at forcing him out.

The Americans on Saturday called off their planned trip to Cairo next Wednesday, citing concerns about the possible spread of unrest in Egypt because of the political crisis there.

"We were excited about the opportunity to play against Egypt but due to the current situation all parties agreed it was best to cancel the match," said U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati.