Liverpool’s Club World Cup ties have been switched to a different venue.
The European champions were originally due to play both of their games in this month’s FIFA-organised tournament at the Education City stadium in Qatar.
But world football’s governing body have informed Jurgen Klopp’s side that they will now contest the fixtures at the Khalifa International Stadium instead.
The reason given by FIFA is that work on Education City has not been completed in time for the four-team competition which kicks off on December 11.
Anfield officials are now set to travel to the Gulf state in the coming days to inspect the venue as part of standard club protocols.
Liverpool are yet to learn the identity of their opponents in the December 18 semi-final, which takes place 24 hours after their Carabao Cup quarter-final with Aston Villa.
Additional tickets could now be made available to Reds supporters travelling over for the games due to the Khalifa’s capacity holding an extra 8,000 seats.
Meanwhile it has emerged that Liverpool’s banning of The Sun newspaper has put paid to Anfield hosting one of England’s Euro 2020 warm-up fixtures.
Fans have boycotted the newspaper after it published lies in the aftermath of Hillsborough with the club following suit with a blanket ban in early 2017.
The Daily Mail claim that Anfield is not even being considered for the Three Lions’ friendly on June 7 due to its ongoing stance over the reviled publication.
Old Trafford and the Ethiad Stadium are both unavailable to host the game due to pre-booked events while Goodison Park’s facilities were deemed unsuitable.
Newcastle’s St James’ Park now appears the most likely destination for the Gareth Southgate’s side to round off their preparations for this summer’s tournament.