FAI disappointed at UEFA decision
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The Football Association of Ireland today expressed its disappointment at the decision of UEFA to reject its appeal to play the Andorra versus Ireland European Championship qualifier in Barcelona. They also are unhappy at the timing of the decision saying it was made “after the 60 day period normally required by protocol, which will cause difficulties for supporters”.
The FAI had revealed on Friday that it had written to Uefa’s General Secretary and Head of Competitions about the matter but the European governing body stuck to its original decision to have the game played in Andorra.
The FAI added “the decision goes against precedents set in the past by UEFA and FIFA” Both the Andorran FA and FAI had wanted the game played in Barcelona due to the expected large travelling support for the Boys in Green, the FAI are now looking at ways to allow Irish fans who will be based in Barcelona, see the game. The FAI said they “are already exploring the possibility of arranging a fan zone in Barcelona to accommodate fans who had made travel arrangements prior to today’s UEFA decision”.
The match will take place on October 7 in Estadi Comunal, Andorra at 21.30 local time (20.30 Irish time).
The FAI had revealed on Friday that it had written to Uefa’s General Secretary and Head of Competitions about the matter but the European governing body stuck to its original decision to have the game played in Andorra.
The FAI added “the decision goes against precedents set in the past by UEFA and FIFA” Both the Andorran FA and FAI had wanted the game played in Barcelona due to the expected large travelling support for the Boys in Green, the FAI are now looking at ways to allow Irish fans who will be based in Barcelona, see the game. The FAI said they “are already exploring the possibility of arranging a fan zone in Barcelona to accommodate fans who had made travel arrangements prior to today’s UEFA decision”.
The match will take place on October 7 in Estadi Comunal, Andorra at 21.30 local time (20.30 Irish time).
