20 Aug 2008Irish fans face travel chaos

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media | Football Technology and Stadia

The travel plans of nearly 1,000 Irish football supporters have been thrown into chaos after Fifa elected to move the country's World Cup qualifying fixture against Georgia.

Following the recent political turmoil in the eastern European country, Fifa has decided to move the game to a new venue.

But the governing body is yet to name a stadium for the fixture meaning fans have been left in limbo.

The match, which kicks off on September 6th, was due to be played in Tiblisi and the Georgians are set to name a venue by the end of next week.

According to reports in the Irish Times, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has sold nearly 1,000 tickets for the game with most fans travelling independently.

Those who have booked flights are likely to lose out while some insurance policies may also be rendered useless because of the war.

According to Ray Tracey Travel - the firm that is transporting the fans who have booked official tours - fans who have been booked on official trips will be fine.

"This doesn't affect the flight, though it may create problems booking hotels in a new venue," Ray Tracey from the firm revealed.

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