FAI favours move to Croker

FAI chief executive John Delaney identified Croke Park as the Association’s first choice alternative venue while Lansdowne Road is being redeveloped.

“We want to play in Ireland. It was interesting to note that, had we drawn Turkey in the World Cup play-offs, we would have been drawn at home on the Saturday which is the same day the (New Zealand) rugby match is (in Lansdowne). It would have been practically impossible to play the game here in Ireland. That is something I would hate to see occur again.

“Rule 42 has been amended to accommodate the playing of soccer and rugby over the coming period. Discussions will take place with the GAA and I’m hoping that a positive outcome will arise.”