FIFA give Lansdowne seating World Cup all-clear

FOOTBALL's world governing body FIFA have given the all-clear to the FAI to continue using temporary seating at Lansdowne Road for the Republic of Ireland's home qualifying ties for the 2006 World Cup.

The continuing derogation is a significant, if anticipated, financial fillip for Irish soccer, guaranteeing 36,000 attendances for each of the Group 4 qualifiers, which begin in September.

However, FAI chief executive Fran Rooney pointed out last night that the FIFA decision was based on the Government's commitment to the new stadium, further demonstrating the urgency of proceeding with the project.

"This decision by FIFA will afford us the opportunity to play all our home matches in front of capacity crowds, which will be to the benefit of Brian and the team as well as the fans, and will also be of economic value to the country."

The Republic's final World Cup qualifier for the 2006 finals in Germany will be at home to Switzerland in October 2005. Work on the proposed redevelopment of the stadium will not commence until the following year and will not impact on the World Cup qualifying campaign, though it will disrupt the ensuing Euro 2008 qualifiers.

FIFA said they were happy to continue the "bucket" seating arrangement, having had the opportunity again to not only observe, but inspect the proposed temporary seating facilities.

FIFA say they will give a separate derogation for each one of the five qualification matches as requested.

Ireland's WC 2006 qualifiers: Sept 4, 2004 Cyprus (h); Sep 8 Switzerland (a); Oct 9 France (a); Oct 13 Faroe Islands (h); Mar 26, 2005 Israel (a); June 4 Israel (h); June 8 Faroe Islands (a); Sept 7 France (h); Oct 8 Cyprus (a); Oct 12 Switzerland (h).