Stadium ok eases World Cup fixture fears

THE FAI's negotiating position ahead of Tuesday's World Cup fixtures meeting has been strengthened by the Government's decision which means Lansdowne Road will be available for competitive matches for the next two years.

The backing the FAI received from FIFA on foot the government's decision means the FAI will not be compromised in their negotiations when they sit down in Dublin with their World Cup opponents.

Explained FAI chief Fran Rooney: "FIFA have said they will be happy now to extend the derogation for the temporary seats on a match to match basis. Hopefully now we will not have to take any of our matches abroad, this decision has minimised the risk of us having to use another facility in the UK. The work will be done in a phased manner that will limit the disruption to the IRFU and our programme of matches."