FAI play waiting game on World Cup play-off venue plans

THE Republic of Ireland could be forced to finish their World Cup qualifying campaign in Britain in the event of Brian Kerr’s team finishing second in Group 4 and having to take part in a two-leg play-off game.

Rugby internationals at Lansdowne Road in early November would overlap with the projected dates (12th and 16th) for the play-offs, meaning it would be impractical for the soccer team to play its home leg at the ground, regardless of the order of the draw.

With Croke Park only theoretically available to soccer during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road, the FAI would have to look outside the island for a venue unless the GAA revisits the issue between now and November.