Русская версияThe military conflict between Georgia and Russia over the breakaway
South Ossetia province earlier this month prompted the world soccer
governing body FIFA to move the Sept.
6 European Group Eight
qualifier out of Tbilisi to a neutral venue.
FIFA had given the Georgian soccer federation (GFF) until Tuesday
to nominate a venue. The GFF had several options but decided
on Karlsruhe, general secretary Ucha Ugulava told Reuters news
agency.
But after FIFA met on Wednesday to discuss the decision, it was
decided that Georgia would play their World Cup qualifier against
Ireland next week in the German city of Mainz.
Karlsruhe, it was decided, could not host the game at such
short notice.
Georgia agreed Thursday with FIFA's alternative and will now face
Ireland in German second division club FSV Mainz's 20,000-capacity
Bruchweg stadium.
Georgia faces an even tougher task than the Irish on Sept. 10 when
they travel to Udine to play world champions Italy in their next
qualifier.
(Deutsche Welle)
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