The Hristo Botev Stadium in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Ireland fans are facing a trek to get to the away leg of the Nations League play-off next March as the Bulgarian FA have confirmed the city of Plovdiv as the match venue.
Ireland were today drawn against Bulgaria for that two-legged play-off tie, a promotion/relegation battle with Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side looking to stay in League B of the competition.
It was known in advance that Ireland would be at home for the second leg with a doubt over the venue, as Bulgaria have played recent home games in Plovdiv and Razgrad as well as the capital, Sofia.
But it was confirmed today that the 18,000 capacity Stadion Hristo Botev ground in Plovdiv, 150km from Sofia, would host the game.
As the away team are only entitled to an allocation of five per cent of capacity for their supporters that leaves Ireland fans potentially scrambling for match tickets while getting to and from Plovdiv also poses a logistical issue.
Bulgaria host Ireland there on Thursday March 20 with the home leg in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday March 23. The Bulgarians are unbeaten in their last four home games.