ZURICH-The Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia on September 6 is to be switched to a neutral venue owing to security concerns in the wake of recent events in Georgia, FIFA have confirmed.
Football’s world governing body has taken the decision in the wake of the recent hostilities between Georgia and Russia over control of South Ossetia.
The match was due to be held in the capital, Tbilisi, which was bombed by Russian forces during the conflict which has left hundreds of civilians dead.
A ceasefire is now in place, although Russian forces remain on the ground in Georgia.
The Georgian Football Federation have the right to nominate the new venue for the match, and must present their decision to FIFA within the next seven days.
A statement released by FIFA read: “FIFA today decided that the 2010 FIFA World Cup preliminary competition match between Georgia and the Republic of Ireland, scheduled for September 6 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 August 26 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 September 6 2008. The Georgian Football Federation will serve as the host association for this match.”
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