Saudi Arabia’s official football team’s plane caught fire in mid-air on Monday as they travelled for their next 2018 World Cup match.

Flames were seen from the engine, as the Russian Airlines Airbus was en route Rostov.

“The Saudi Football Federation wishes to reassure everyone about the safety of all members of the mission of the national team after a minor technical malfunction in an engine.

“The plane landed a few minutes ago at Rostov on Don Airport, and UNOMIG personnel are now safely heading to their residence,” an official statement from the Saudi Football Federation read.

The Saudi team, who were white-washed 5-0 by hosts, Russia in their opening match of the tournament will on Thursday slug it out with  Uruguay in their next Group A fixture.