Irish games may be in Britain

TODAY’S budget is unlikely to include provision for financing a new national stadium — leaving the FAI and the IRFU in a pickle.

The issue is especially acute for the FAI, with the draw for the qualifying tournament of World Cup 2006 to be made in Frankfurt on Friday. Within a few weeks of the draw, the football associations will meet to firm up dates and venues.

However, as things stand, the FAI are not in a position to say where Ireland will play their matches. While nobody will concede the point, it is possible Ireland may have to play some matches over the coming two years in England or Scotland at Old Trafford, Anfield or Parkhead.