FAI seek alternative venue for Georgia qualifier

The FAI said today they want to play their opening World Cup qualifier away to Georgia next month at an alternative venue due to the outbreak of war in the former Soviet state.

Reports today suggest that Russian forces have launched attacks around the Georgian captital, Tbilisi, where the match is scheduled to take place at the at the Boris Paichadze National Stadium on September 6th.

FAI chief executive John Delaney cut short his holiday and returned to Dublin to hold an emergency meeting, while writing to FIFA, UEFA and the Georgian FA to request a change of venue for the tie.

"We are very concerned about the worsening situation. That's why we are calling this urgent meeting," said Delaney. "The safety of the players and the fans must be our primary concern. The situation is evolving but we hope to make some decisions this afternoon."

Today's FAI statement 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."

Meanwhile Georgia have told Wales they still want to play their friendly at Swansea next week despite the war raging in their country.

The Football Association of Wales have been monitoring the situation for the past few days, and privately felt the chances of the Georgians making it to the Liberty Stadium on August 20th were remote following their conflict with Russia.

But after discussions between the two associations today, the Georgians have asked for a decision over whether the match can be played to be delayed until tomorrow.

FAW press officer Ceri Stennett issued a statement saying: "There will be further talks regarding the Wales v Georgia friendly on Wednesday.

"The Georgian FA are still very keen to play the match, but much will depend
on events over the next 36 hours.

"We would not expect to make any further comment until the conversation on Wednesday."

Many of the Georgian players are playing overseas in some of Europe's top league, so it would not be too difficult to assemble a squad without having to fly from Georgia.

Of the current Georgia squad, eight are based in their homeland, but there are seven playing in Russia, three in Germany, and one each in France and Italy.

Their captain is AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze, who has 62 caps, while vice-captain Levan Kobiashvili - capped 71 times - is with Schalke in Germany.

-additional reporting PA