Northern Ireland home clash next month could be moved outside of country

Michael O'Neill's side are set to face Belarus in their UEFA Nations League clash.

By: irishmirror.ie

Oct 14 2024
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Northern Ireland home clash ne

Northern Ireland's scheduled home Nations League game with Belarus next month has been clouded in uncertainty as a decision on whether to award the visiting players and staff a visa has yet to be made by the UK government.

The decision to allow Russia's army access to its territory to launch attacks into northern Ukraine has led to Belarus being included in the UK's sanctions against Russia.

UEFA restrictions led to Saturday night's away fixture being played behind closed doors at the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg.

If Belarus are not granted visas for the reverse fixture in Belfast a potential return to the western Hungary venue could be one option and it's believed that Northern Ireland fans would be allowed to attend if the game is moved away from Windsor Park.

The Irish FA said they are "in contact with appropriate Uefa and government officials" over the matter.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday night's game at home to Bulgaria Michael O'Neill said the situation was out of their hands.

"We're not in control of the situation in November and we'll address it when it comes," said the Northern Ireland boss. "We're waiting for a decision on that, so this could be our last home game before March."

News of a potential switch of location for the game has not gone down well with Northern Ireland fans who would face the added expense of having to travel to what should be a home fixture for their game.

In a statement to BBC Sport NI the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs said: "We're aware of reports regarding this issue and would obviously hope that the game can go ahead in Belfast as scheduled".

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