Keane happy to play as FIFA rules out Georgia fixture

Ireland skipper Robbie Keane has promised his side will be ready to face Georgia in their first World Cup qualifier wherever it is played.

FIFA today ruled the game, which was scheduled to take place in Tblisi on September 6, must be played in a neutral country amid the ongoing political situation in the former Soviet state.

The Georgian Football Federation have been given until next Wednesday to nominate an alternative venue, but with his side due to travel to Montenegro four days later, Keane insists they will be ready for whatever the trip throws up.

Speaking in Oslo ahead of Wednesday night’s friendly clash with Norway, Keane said: “It was important that we did play the game no matter where it was. We have everything set out and the players were looking forward to the two games.

“They have made a decision on that now and I think it’s important they have made that decision. At least we know we are playing that game and people are looking forward to that now.

“I know it is not in Georgia, but FIFA have made the decision and we have to respect that. That’s just the way it has worked out. I don’t think we will complain too much about it. It is a situation that has happened there that’s go nothing to do with us. It is out of our hands and we have to respect the decision of FIFA.

“But no matter where the game was, we would have gone and played it anywhere because it is important for the group and it is important to get the three points.”

FIFA announced their decision in a statement on Tuesday morning after several days of deliberations.

It said: “FIFA today decided that the 2010 FIFA World Cup preliminary competition match between Georgia and the Republic of Ireland, scheduled for 6 September 2008, will take place at a neutral venue due to recent events in Georgia, which have affected security in the entire country.

“FIFA reached this decision after closely monitoring the situation in Georgia and taking note that UEFA also decided to ask Georgian clubs involved in UEFA competitions to play their matches in neutral countries.

“The Georgian Football Federation has until 26 August 2008 to nominate a neutral venue to host the qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, which will take place on the scheduled date of 6 September 2008.

“The Georgian Football Federation will serve as the host association for this match.”

Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni will now have to wait to learn where they will have to play the game – Azerbaijan and Armenia have been rumoured as possible alternative venues, although there has been no official word as yet.

The Italian expressed his sadness at the situation in Georgia and his sympathy for the nation’s football team.

However, he insisted he was happy the calendar had remained intact with his planning for the campaign well under way.

He said: “We will await the FIFA decision. It would have been very difficult for us to play in Georgia. For both teams, not only for us, the first game is very, very important. I am sad about the situation, but we cannot do anything about that.

It is important to respect the calendar. It is important the teams play on September 6. It is important to continue the calendar.

“I am happy FIFA has decided this. I am sad for Georgia, but that is the situation. It is better that we go away with that calendar.”