Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Northern Ireland v Belarus: Uncertainty if match can take place in Belfast

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There is uncertainty over whether Northern Ireland’s Nations League match at home to Belarus in November will take place at Windsor Park.

A decision has yet to be taken whether Belarus players and staff will be granted visas to play in the match by the UK government.

Belarus was included in the UK’s sanctions against Russia, as the country has allowed its territory to be used by Russia’s army to launch attacks into northern Ukraine.

Saturday’s away fixture was played behind closed doors in Zalaegerszeg in western Hungary, because of European governing body Uefa’s restrictions on Belarus.

“It is longstanding government policy that we do not routinely comment on individual cases,” the Home Office said on Monday.

“We are unable to confirm if all members of the Belarus national football team will be denied entry to the UK without details on each individual.”

While Uefa’s restrictions would not impact the return fixture, a venue in Europe would have to be secured if permission is not granted by the UK government for the game to take place in Belfast.

The ZTE Arena, where Saturday’s goalless draw took place, is one option if the match is moved.

A spoksesperson for the Irish Football Association said it is “in contact with appropriate Uefa and government officials on this matter.”

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