FIFA position on Lansdowne Road unchanged - FAI

Fran Rooney, Chief Executive of the FAI, this afternoon denied morning reports that soccer's governing body FIFA is set to allow the Republic of Ireland continue to play their competitive home matches at Lansdonwe Road.

Following a discussion with FIFA officials, Rooney stated that the position regarding the use of the Dublin 4 venue had not changed.

'I have spoken to FIFA this morning and absolutely nothing has changed,' stated the former Baltimore Technologies chief, 'the derogation allowing us to use temporary seating for competitive matches has expired and the message from FIFA today was clear – without a firm plan in place for a new stadium, there will be no further derogation'.

With recent contact made between the FAI and officials at Celtic Park, Anfield and Old Trafford, it looks certain that the Republic will stage their home games for the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign next autumn in the UK.