FAI seek Georgia switch

The Football Association of Ireland wants to change the venue of next month’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia after the outbreak of war in the former Soviet state.

Reports today suggest that Russian forces have launched attacks around the capital, Tbilisi, where the match is scheduled to take place on September 6.

The FAI have now written to FIFA, UEFA and the Georgian Football Association to request a change of venue for the tie.

A statement on the FAI’s website read: “Further to discussions with the Department of Foreign Affairs, who are currently advising against non-essential travel to Georgia, the FAI has today written to FIFA, UEFA and the Georgian FA, to indicate that its preferred option would be to find an alternative venue on the same date for the Group 8 World Cup qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi.

“The FAI will keep fans informed of any decision from FIFA on this matter and will continue to work with FIFA to enable them to make a timely decision.”

The FAI confirmed later on Monday that they have written to FIFA, UEFA and the Georgian Football Association to request a change of venue for the tie.