NORTHERN IRELAND’s Nations League clash with Belarus could be subjected to a short-notice location change.
The Green and White Army are set to host the Belarussians – who they drew 0-0 with last Saturday – at Windsor Park in Belfast on Tuesday night.
But the Belarusians have yet to be granted visas for the match as they’ve been included in the UK Government’s ongoing sanctions against Russia.
Belarus have been included in the sanctions for allowing Russia to use their territory in their illegal invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022.
And tomorrow’s match will likely have to be played in mainland Europe if the Government don’t permit the Belarusians entry to the UK.
The Irish Football Association have revealed they’re “in contact with appropriate Uefa and government officials” over the matter.
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Manager Michael O’Neill said: “It’s not in our control, the situation in November.
“We’ll just address that when it comes.”
He continued: “We’ll fulfil the game, it’s just whether we can play here in Belfast or not.
“The decision is not in our hands.
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“Your home form is everything, and it’s important to build that relationship between the supporters and team as well.
“You never want to play in a game like we did on Saturday with an empty stadium.”
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Saturday’s goalless draw took place in western Hungary due to Uefa’s own restrictions on Belarus.
And the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg could be called upon again to host the return leg.
Speaking after the behind-closed-doors match, O’Neill said: “These games are always difficult.
“Logistically it was difficult, preparation was difficult, the stadium and everything.
“And we might have to deal with Belarus in the ‘home’ game in a similar fashion, but hopefully not.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
