Ref
05/12/2003, 6:59 PM
The Football Association of Ireland is considering playing its home World Cup qualifiers at English or Scottish venues.
On the eve of Friday's World Cup draw, FAI chief executive Fran Rooney said the Irish could be forced into the move because of Lansdowne Road's reduced capacity.
Fifa regulations mean the Football Association of Ireland can no longer use temporary seating at each end of the Dublin venue.
As a result, the capacity would be cut to 22,000, from the previous 35,000, with spectators seated in the East and West Stands and the terracing behind each goal deserted.
The situation would involve a huge loss of revenue for the FAI.
However, Rooney appeared to favour playing the home games outside Ireland.
"I think a lot of supporters would rather have the opportunity of travelling abroad to see us play than playing in a half empty stadium," Rooney said.
He indicated the Republic's homes games could be played in a large British city with a significant Irish population.
However, the FAI is still hoping that the Gaelic Athletic Association might change its policy on banning non-GAA games from its 80,000-seater Croke Park stadium in north Dublin.
On the eve of Friday's World Cup draw, FAI chief executive Fran Rooney said the Irish could be forced into the move because of Lansdowne Road's reduced capacity.
Fifa regulations mean the Football Association of Ireland can no longer use temporary seating at each end of the Dublin venue.
As a result, the capacity would be cut to 22,000, from the previous 35,000, with spectators seated in the East and West Stands and the terracing behind each goal deserted.
The situation would involve a huge loss of revenue for the FAI.
However, Rooney appeared to favour playing the home games outside Ireland.
"I think a lot of supporters would rather have the opportunity of travelling abroad to see us play than playing in a half empty stadium," Rooney said.
He indicated the Republic's homes games could be played in a large British city with a significant Irish population.
However, the FAI is still hoping that the Gaelic Athletic Association might change its policy on banning non-GAA games from its 80,000-seater Croke Park stadium in north Dublin.