Ireland to face Gibraltar in Faro next year

The Republic of Ireland will face Euro 2016 Pool D opponents Gibraltar in Faro, Portugal, next year after a venue change was avoided by the hosts.

After financial and security concerns were allayed, following their competitive debut defeat to Poland at the Estadio do Algarve in September, talk of a move from the venue has been shelved.

“The two issues of concern regarding the continued use of the Estadio do Algarve have now been resolved to the GFA’s satisfaction,” a statement read. “Concerns over VAT and other tax issues have been resolved following discussions with the Portuguese FA, Portuguese tax authorities and Uefa.

“Concerns over security arrangements have also been resolved after the GFA contracted a new security company to deal with security at the stadium on match-days.

“The new company performed satisfactorily during the recent match versus Georgia and the feedback received by the GFA from our supporters was very positive in that respect.

“Furthermore, the GFA had also received representations from the German, Irish and Scottish FAs on behalf of German, Irish and Scottish fans who had already booked flights and made accommodation arrangements in Portugal. The GFA will now provide those FAs with assurances that the matches will take place in Portugal.

“Given all these considerations, the GFA is content to continue using the Estadio do Algarve as our ‘home’ stadium, until such time as there is a stadium in Gibraltar which meets with Uefa’s approval for the hosting of competitive international matches.”

Gibraltar are due to host Germany on June 13th next year, Ireland on September 4th and Scotland October 11th.