Georgia game at risk?

[Sligo Hornet]

Anthough you might get unwanted attention from drug barons and airport customs thinking you are advertising your services ;)

Good point Ash............poor Ol' Moscow....those rubber gloves !!:eek:

[Sligo Hornet]

Ceasefire.....my a*se!...obviously the russians not being able to get a signal on their mobiles!:eek:

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Russia---Georgia-War-Armed-Gang-Rob-Sky-Man-Outside-Gori/Article/200808215076752?lpos=World%2BNews_0&lid=ARTICLE_15076752_Russia%2B-%2BGeorgia%2BWar%253A%2BArmed%2BGang%2BRob%2BSky%2 BMan%2BOutside%2BGori

[gspain]

Any of them coming from Vienna won't really be affected as Austrian Airlines flights are thus far cancelled. Not much action in the airport, though Air Baltic is still flying, which won't be ideal if the match is postponed as anyone flying with them will most likely not get any refund as they will probably be still flying.

http://www.tbilisiairport.com/0.php?id=3

I mean it is tough on fans who originally booked Tbilisi then rebooked for Turkey and then had the game called off. OK they'll get a refund on Tbilisi but not on the Turkish flights.

I can't see this being resolved in time for the game to go ahead as planned.
Sky are reporting Russian tanks are on the road to Tbilisi. This is a serious escalation. It is now possible there may not be a Georgia in 2 weeks time not to mind playing a football match agsinst them. Hard to guess what the Russians intend but I imagine they want to install a puppet regime there now answerable to Putin.

[Ireland4ever]

And you base that on what?:confused:

Well mainly on the fact that the Georgians are at war/ceasefire with Russia. I hope it goes ahead, but when you hear about the issue with getting insurance for players its looking very unlikely....Also it may not be beneficial in the long term for the game to go ahead, i would suspect that not too many managers will want/allow (Fake injuries) their aseets travelling to a war zone.

[geysir]

If a cease fire treaty has been signed and all hostilities stop (from the present time onwards) can Georgia still be regarded as a war zone for insurance purposes?

[Newryrep]

If all the commercial airlines (who lets face it arent going to risk their passengers/planes )are still flying to Tbilisi I dont see how the DFA/FAI can deem Tbilisi as unsafe and argue it to FIFA.

If it really is an insurance issue (what about airline insurances ?) and I doubt it is then let FIFA underwrite it.

The FAI should of put out a bland statement about 'monitoring the situation' in touch will the Georgian FA' but behind the scenes advise FIFA , Georgian FA that a final decision has to be made on 23rd Aug, subject to conditions on the ground being and continue to be satisfactory.

It now looks like we dont want to go

1. because it currently unsafe - but if it becomes safe

2. we cant get insurance- if that sorted

3. the clubs wont be happy to release their players

It smacks a little of lets take advantage of somebody elses misfortune.

[NeilMcD]

This game is not going ahead. I thought last night it may do but the fact that the Russians are heading to Tiblisi, spells danger and does not look good.

[NeilMcD]

Looks like the tanks have turned back, they heard about the inflatable hammers, the Guinness Farts and the beer bellys and that was just me.

[shakermaker1982]

what happens to the fans if the game is played elsewhere but flights have not been cancelled by the airlines e.g. situation completely clears up by time of match?

[dublinred]

Excellent article by the bbc as usual , there are Oil and Gas pipelines running through Georgia which are undercutting/bypassing the Russians at the moment so they were probably itching for a chance to get control of them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7557049.stm

[NeilMcD]

Check the terms of your travel insurance.

[Sligo Hornet]

Looks like the tanks have turned back, they heard about the inflatable hammers, the Guinness Farts and the beer bellys and that was just me.

I didn't know you had a hammer Neil?

[NeilMcD]

Yeah got one, there when I heard about those pesky Russians. I think it could be the Republican songs that could finally do it for us though. That has one many of a war.

[zenokelly]

If all the commercial airlines (who lets face it arent going to risk their passengers/planes )are still flying to Tbilisi I dont see how the DFA/FAI can deem Tbilisi as unsafe and argue it to FIFA.

It smacks a little of lets take advantage of somebody elses misfortune.

Tell us how all the commercial airlines are still flying to Tbilisi.

And the FAI are doing exactly the right thing, I'd prefare to know 2-3 weeks before the match what the story is i.e.to arrange flights to a neutral venue, than find out 3 days before the match. I don't see how the FAI are taking advantage of Georgia considering there is a pretty full-scale war in the country, and you expect an international football match to go ahead in the capital where Russian tanks are heading at this moment:eek:.

[Sligo Hornet]

Tell us how all the commercial airlines are still flying to Tbilisi.

And the FAI are doing exactly the right thing, I'd prefare to know 2-3 weeks before the match what the story is i.e.to arrange flights to a neutral venue, than find out 3 days before the match. I don't see how the FAI are taking advantage of Georgia considering there is a pretty full-scale war in the country, and you expect an international football match to go ahead in the capital where Russian tanks are heading at this moment:eek:.

They have turned round...........apparently problem with the Tom Tom!:D

[NeilMcD]

Told you the threat of Guinness Farts would do the trick.

[boovidge]

They have turned round...........apparently problem with the Tom Tom!:D

haha, "if possible make a u-turn" :D

[Newryrep]

Tell us how all the commercial airlines are still flying to Tbilisi.:.

I never claimed all comercial airlines are currently flying, the mostlly western ones eg BA and British Midland have cancelled flights until 18th Aug nearly 3 weeks before the game - I expect they will re-evaluate closer to the time if they restart or not. Note Air Baltic has supposely restarted. If commercial airlines are flying how can it be deemed it unsafe ?




And the FAI are doing exactly the right thing, I'd prefare to know 2-3 weeks before the match what the story is i.e.to arrange flights to a neutral venue, than find out 3 days before the match. :.

Everybody wants to know what the hell is going to happen preferably as early as possible but the best solution is that the game goes ahead as planned in a peacefull Tbilisi, and for that to happen they have to be given every chance



I don't see how the FAI are taking advantage of Georgia considering there is a pretty full-scale war in the country, and you expect an international football match to go ahead in the capital where Russian tanks are heading at this moment:eek:.

No i dont, but neither do I see the need to cancel a football match nearly 4 weeks away when the situation on the ground is improving.They should of been a bit more diplomatic, nobody expects a football match to go ahead in a war zone but we seemed a bit quick off the mark.

I also doubt the insurance companys will pay out because the game is cancelled because of an 'act of war'.

Hopefully the situation will continue to improve as I have no intention of risking mine nor Mrs Newryreps neck.

[gspain]

Excellent article by the bbc as usual , there are Oil and Gas pipelines running through Georgia which are undercutting/bypassing the Russians at the moment so they were probably itching for a chance to get control of them.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7557049.stm


The other issue is Georgia's attempt to join NATO and their moves towards the west. Ukraine tried and failed too and now they are cancelling Russia's right to use their ports in the Black Sea. I assume they are concerned they will be next.

I know VHI have stated that your insurance cover is invalid due to an "Act of war". I suspect they will all try and wriggle out of paying.

I fear the game won't go ahead now. Anybody know if Czech Airlines are still flying to/from Tbilisi? Best bet to get our money back is if the flight is cancelled.

[ORPCS]

Just been phoned by Expedia to say that my flight from Istanbul to Tbilisi has been cancelled and they are offering me a full refund.

[youngirish]

The other issue is Georgia's attempt to join NATO and their moves towards the west. Ukraine tried and failed too and now they are cancelling Russia's right to use their ports in the Black Sea. I assume they are concerned they will be next.

It's been established Georgia initiated this conflict by attacking a de-facto independent state that Georgia has never really established any control over and where the majority of the population do not want to be part of Georgia. They violated an agreed ceasefire, went in heavy handed and apparently have been responsible for hundreds of civilians deaths (including Russian soldiers). It was obvious Russia was going to respond. I'm actually surprised they have shown a bit of restraint and stopped when they did. Surely they could have taken Tbilisi within a few days if they wanted to. If they wanted to annex the whole of Georgia and take over their oil pipeline they'd have more or less achieved it by now. Instead they chose to suspend their military operations.

Aren't the US and the UK generally all for giving people the right to self goverment if they want it? Oh I forgot. Only when it's in their interest (as with Kosovo).

All the sensationalist, western media reports speculating who the Russians will attack next and how they are seeking to reassert control over the region is just pure, unfounded, nonsense and demonstrates exactly what's wrong with the media today. No impartiality. The responsibility for what happened rests mainly with the Georgian governement. They initially were the ones who resorted to heavy handed, military action.

Watching fox news often reminds me of watching the Nazi propaganda newsreels from world war 2. Sky news aren't much better and unfortunately bbc news seem to be following suit.

[geysir]

This is the football forum.
Everybody can chat about the political stuff in more detail here
Russia at War with Georgia (http://foot.ie/showthread.php?t=98415)

[irishfan86]

Watching fox news often reminds me of watching the Nazi propaganda newsreels from world war 2. Sky news aren't much better

Sky and Fox are owned by the same people, so that would make sense.

[SuperDub]

I fear the game won't go ahead now. Anybody know if Czech Airlines are still flying to/from Tbilisi? Best bet to get our money back is if the flight is cancelled.

I believe Czech Airlines have suspended their flights up until the 19th of August. We are suppose to be travelling with them on thursday 4th Sept and back Sunday the 7th.

This link is for flight Schedules to and from Tbilisi

http://www.tbilisiairport.com/0.php?id=3

[Green Tribe]

air baltic seem to be only airline flying at the moment (maybe georgia airways too??)
They resumed their service today, in the previous days they had been diverting their flights to Yerevan.
They told me that they will continue to fly to Tbilisi as of today and if flights need to be canx again in future, they will offer refund/re-route.

[SuperDub]

I got this response from Czech Airlines.

Dear Sir

thank you for your email.

At the moment we cannot tell you if the flights will be cancelled. It will be depend on the situation in Georgia. But if the flights will be cancelled you will be entitled to a full refund.

We wish you a nice day.

Yours sincerely,
Jaroslav Federhans
Czech Airlines Call Centre

[NeilMcD]

Russian troops are withdrawing from Gori, To be honest I always thought it was a kip of a town in wexford.

[Sligo Hornet]

Russian troops are withdrawing from Gori, To be honest I always thought it was a kip of a town in wexford.

Aren't they All?;)

[Supreme feet]

Aren't they All?;)

Ouch! My stomping ground, Kilmore Quay, is okay! Indeed, Gorey looks like it belongs in the depths of Eastern Europe alright. Albeit with uglier women.

[Green Tribe]

still hoping this game will go ahead in Tbilisi.

[Sligo Hornet]

Not much chance of game going ahead now that the Americans have sent their "Best Diplomat":eek:

[Newryrep]

I predict this game will go ahead in Tbilisi as planned

[Sligo Hornet]

Good to see George Dubbya calming the waters ;)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/7563452.stm

[NeilMcD]

Yeah for feck sake, does he not know we have a game to go to in a few weeks.

[stiofain]

Maybe these (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7042807.stm) fellas can help again?

[tetsujin1979]

Whelan unfazed by trip to Georgia, according to the Herald: http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/irish/whelan-unfazed-by-trip-to-georgia-1454751.html

[Closed Account 2]

Anyone remember the last match 5 years ago ? The Georgian's were partial to lobbing the occasional object onto the pitch...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2003/mar/31/match.sport3

[geysir]

This one was good

'but the FAI will not be making a formal complaint to Uefa'.

because

'there is also a feeling that the FAI would be happy if Georgia were not punished too harshly'

If another penknife lands near Kilbane he should have the good sense to put his foot on it instead of being the teachers pet :)

[zenokelly]

Not much inroads made on this yet!

From Monday's Examiner


Meanwhile, as the management and squad prepared to fly out to Norway this morning, the FAI were still awaiting a decision from FIFA on whether Ireland’s opening World Cup qualifier against Georgia can go ahead in Tiblisi, as scheduled, on September 6.:(

[gspain]

FIFA were never going to make a quick decision on this. Fingers crossed that the russians withdraw today as promised. It should go ahead then however I can't see them leaving.

[NeilMcD]

I think the main issue will be now with refugees etc in Tiblisi. Some many people have loast their home and have headed for Tiblisi that this could put a huge strain on the city.

[George2605]

Hi guys, if I may add a Georgian perspective to all of this...we expect a final decision about the game this week. It seems that FIFA want to give us every possible chance to be able to stage the games at home, and we are very grateful to them for this, even though I understand your fans' frustration about it.

Believe me, we are even more frustrated about all of this. At long last, we have all the facilities necessary to make it an enjoyable visit for football fans from all over the world - nothing like 5 years ago, when we played you last. There's excellent infrastructure, brand-new airport and hotels, lovely city center with a good range of pubs (not quite Temple Bar, but more than enough to accomodate all of you who are planning to go). ;) And last but not least, a new European-class stadium and basketball arena (our basketball teams are also in the same qualifying group). You can imagine how frustrating it is for us to have to deal with this situation now.

Should the game go ahead, you will hopefully still be able to enjoy the trip. The general situation and atmosphere in the city will probably be uneasy, but people will do their best to make it as good an experience for you guys as possible...I just hope our players don't do the same. :D

[Sligo Hornet]

Hi guys, if I may add a Georgian perspective to all of this...we expect a final decision about the game this week. It seems that FIFA want to give us every possible chance to be able to stage the games at home, and we are very grateful to them for this, even though I understand your fans' frustration about it.

Believe me, we are even more frustrated about all of this. At long last, we have all the facilities necessary to make it an enjoyable visit for football fans from all over the world - nothing like 5 years ago, when we played you last. There's excellent infrastructure, brand-new airport and hotels, lovely city center with a good range of pubs (not quite Temple Bar, but more than enough to accomodate all of you who are planning to go). ;) And last but not least, a new European-class stadium and basketball arena (our basketball teams are also in the same qualifying group). You can imagine how frustrating it is for us to have to deal with this situation now.

Should the game go ahead, you will hopefully still be able to enjoy the trip. The general situation and atmosphere in the city will probably be uneasy, but people will do their best to make it as good an experience for you guys as possible...I just hope our players don't do the same. :D

Thanks for the "Home" angle on the situation.I for one really hope the game goes ahead in Tbilisi as much for the Georgian people as well as ourselves who have booked and paid for expensive flights etc.

Hopefully the Russian exodus,currently moving out at the speed of a tortoise:mad:,will speed up and calm will prevail whilst the long political negotiations will then have to begin.

[Newryrep]

Hi guys, if I may add a Georgian perspective to all of this...we expect a final decision about the game this week. It seems that FIFA want to give us every possible chance to be able to stage the games at home, and we are very grateful to them for this, even though I understand your fans' frustration about it.

Should the game go ahead, you will hopefully still be able to enjoy the trip. The general situation and atmosphere in the city will probably be uneasy, but people will do their best to make it as good an experience for you guys as possible...I just hope our players don't do the same. :D

George are your FA optimistic or pessimistic about the FIFA decision especially in light of the relative calm of the last few days ?.

Also if the game does go ahead the travel advice currently issued by our Dept for Foreign Affairs will have to change as it would currently invalidate most travel insurance - Georgian governement/Georgian FA should have word with our government

Note: Anybody northern based - check your holiday insurance as it is likely to refer to the British Foreign Office advice you/we may have to take out additonal insurance

[George2605]

George are your FA optimistic or pessimistic about the FIFA decision especially in light of the relative calm of the last few days ?.

Also if the game does go ahead the travel advice currently issued by our Dept for Foreign Affairs will have to change as it would currently invalidate most travel insurance - Georgian governement/Georgian FA should have word with our government

Note: Anybody northern based - check your holiday insurance as it is likely to refer to the British Foreign Office advice you/we may have to take out additonal insurance

There is no doubt about our FA's optimism - just a day after the ceasefire, they started to sell 'season tickets' for all 5 home qualifiers. Frankly, I doubt that the sales have been good so far.

Today will see crucial developments on the ground. An emergency NATO summit is being held right now, and the slow speed of Russian withdrawal is almost certainly connected to this. If the party that will most likely demand a tough response against Russia (US, UK, and the vast majority of Eastern European members) has its way, then expect more dirty tricks from Kremlin, and refusal to honour the agreements (which they haven't really done anyway). The truce has been uneasy at the very best, so far.

I would think that the decision regarding the game will be taken towards the end of the week, when things will become clearer.

[Wheels]

Reports that FIFA have decided the game should be at a neutral venue...

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/media/newsid=855347.html#georgia+republic+ireland+take+p lace+neutral+venue

FIFA today decided that the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ preliminary competition match between Georgia and the Republic of Ireland, scheduled for 6 September 2008, will take place at a neutral venue due to recent events in Georgia, which have affected security in the entire country.


FIFA reached this decision after closely monitoring the situation in Georgia and taking note that UEFA also decided to ask Georgian clubs involved in UEFA competitions to play their matches in neutral countries.


The Georgian Football Federation has until 26 August 2008 to nominate a neutral venue to host the qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, which will take place on the scheduled date of 6 September 2008. The Georgian Football Federation will serve as the host association for this match.

[The Bit O'Red]

Sky Sports just confirmed it as well.

[Sligo Hornet]

Any clues as to where?.....if we have to wait 'til the 26th it will be a nightmare to try and change!:eek:

[Reddladd]

That's a complete balls..................all arrangements thrown up in the air! Hopefully it won't be too far from Tbilisi..................

[Reality Bites]

Awful for Fans who booked Flights and accomodation but wonderful News for Trap and Team, Tbilisi could have been a real Banana Skin, now a neutral venue will most definitely give us an advantage!:)