Doubts emerge over Georgia games
The Republic of Ireland’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia in Tbilisi next month could be in doubt after FAI officials expressed “concern” over the conflict in the country.
Georgia launched an attack last week in an attempt to regain control over South Ossetia, and Russian forces responded by sending in troops and conducting air strikes, with hundreds of civilians having been killed.
The Republic are due to play in Tbilisi on September 6.
A statement issued by the Football Association of Ireland said: “The FAI views with concern the escalation of hostilities in Georgia ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifier match in Tbilisi.
“We will continue to work closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, FIFA, UEFA and the Georgian Football Association to keep fans informed of any updates and advice from these bodies as they become available.”
Wales’ friendly match at home to Georgia next week in Swansea could also be in doubt.
The FA of Wales have been in contact with their Georgian counterparts, and at the moment the match on August 20 at the Liberty Stadium is still on.
But further attempts to contact the Georgians will be made later today.
An FAW spokesman said: “Because of the situation in the Georgia/South Russia region, the Football Association Of Wales is keeping in close contact with the Georgia Football Federation.
“At this time, the Nationwide international at the Liberty Stadium, Swansea is still scheduled to go ahead. However, we hope to have a further update from Tbilisi later this afternoon.”
The match is due to be Wales’ last before their World Cup qualifying campaign starts next month with a home game against Azerbaijan.
