FAI loses bid to have Andorra match moved to Barca

The Football Association of Ireland today confirmed that its appeal to UEFA to have the Andorra v Republic of Ireland match played in Barcelona on October 7 has been turned down.

The Andorran FA originally requested permission from UEFA to play the match in Barcelona following discussions with the FAI in order to accommodate the large expected travelling support.

The request was made by the Andorran FA and supported by the FAI purely in the interests of accommodating supporters.

The match will now take place on October 7 in Estadi Comunal, Andorra at 9.30pm local time.

The FAI expressed its disappointment at the decision and itslateness, saying it will cause difficulties for supporters.

It said it was exploring the possibility of arranging a fan zone in Barcelona to accommodate fans who had made travel arrangements prior to today’s UEFA decision.