Georgia game at risk?

[Sligo Hornet]

Cheers Sligo, will drop them a line tomorrow when I can take some time to compose it right.

Newry, my advice is to use the power of speech....its too easy for them to hide from pieces of paper!!...just keep hanging on, and don't let them say that they will 'phone you back!

[pineapple stu]

We still looking at the same time kick off?

[Saint Tom]

no word on czech airlines yet guys? thinking along the same lines as you Sligo, we have to be in prague for sunday at 10 am. Czech airlines dont fly to baku so its looking unlikely to get there or Trabzon for that matter, Yerevan is doable though

[Green Tribe]

Right SH.
Actually looking at Trabazon, looks a nice wee spot, but i can't find timetable or flight details with air baltic for Riga-Trabzon. Seems to have strong Georgian links as George said. Quite possibly could be here. Will email air baltic.

[Green Tribe]

Saint Tom I think AidoM, Bear 11 etc are on the Prague route with Czech airlines, I'd say he's looking at options too, expect a post tomorrow!

[Newryrep]

Newry, my advice is to use the power of speech....its too easy for them to hide from pieces of paper!!...just keep hanging on, and don't let them say that they will 'phone you back!

I think Air Baltic help line is 50p a min at 2 hours on the phone I will get crucified at work when the bill comes in:o

[Sligo Hornet]

I think Air Baltic help line is 50p a min at 2 hours on the phone I will get crucified at work when the bill comes in:o

I am lucky ...I have a nice Boss............ME:D

[Sligo Hornet]

Saint Tom I think AidoM, Bear 11 etc are on the Prague route with Czech airlines, I'd say he's looking at options too, expect a post tomorrow!


The match can only take place somewhere that Aido can get to with "The Flag"..........someone e-mail the Georgian FA!:D

[Green Tribe]

I will be phoning them from work too Newry Rep, when the venue is announced, has to be done :D

[Green Tribe]

The match can only take place somewhere that Aido can get to with "The Flag"..........someone e-mail the Georgian FA!:D

:D He'll need a visa for the flag:eek:

[Newryrep]

I will be phoning them from work too Newry Rep, when the venue is announced, has to be done :D

Think i will dip my toe to test the waters, even a credit note would be a result but will try a refund - heres hoping :)

dont Armenia/Azabyjian require visa's ?

[Green Tribe]

not sure, didn't think so.

[HarpoJoyce]

Think i will dip my toe to test the waters, even a credit note would be a result but will try a refund - heres hoping :)

dont Armenia/Azabyjian require visa's ?

The Georgia FA have a week to present a new venue to UEFA.

Azerbaijin, a visa for certain nationalities can be applied for by air travellers at Heydar Aliyev Airport, Baki (sp)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
http://www.mfa.gov.az/eng/consular/visa.shtml
http://www.mfa.gov.az/eng/consular/visa_types.shtml
"Ordinary and double entry-exit visa
For this type of visa the duration of stay is three months. "
"...In order to obtain a visa at Heydar Aliyev International airport the following documents are required:

- Charges levied for a visa
- Properly filled in application form
- A photograph (3x4) for an application form

Members of official delegations, participants of international events, nationals of the leading countries of Europe, America and Asia which the Republic of Azerbaijan has been integrated with are granted a visa upon arrival in the territory of a country. In case of the absence of the agreement on consular service, regulating entry-exit visa between the Republic of Azerbaijan and other States, it is required that the receiving side arrange a letter of invitation in advance. "
Embold covers the UK at least. I havn't found a list of specific Nationalities.

An Armenian visa can also be picked on arrival at some ports, if you need one that is.
Embassy of Armenia (Court of St. James/ UK)
http://www.armenianembassy.org.uk/consular-visas.htm
".......Holders of all other national passports and travel documents, including UN Laissez-Passer, are required to obtain an entry visa.
* The visa requirement waiver is practiced on ad hoc basis, and is not formalized by a bilateral agreement.

Therefore, if you are a British or Irish citizen, you need a visa to enter Armenia.
2. Where and how can I get a visa?
There are three ways to get an Armenian visa:
1. apply at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in London;
2. obtain an entry visa upon arrival in Armenia (either at the "Zvartnots" Airport in Yerevan, or other border checkpoints);
3. apply for an e-visa by visiting the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia (http://www.armeniaforeignministry.am/)."

But mentioning Armenia as a likely destination may have been in the hearts of many of us but they play Turkey on September 06th. 2008.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.armeniaforeignministry.com/
"On August 14, 2008, Armenian Government has decided to waive the visa requirement for citizens of Turkey, who will travel to Armenia to watch Armenia - Turkey football match that will take place on September 6, 2008 in Yerevan."

I my self hope the game is in Turkey (Black Sea port), I havn't checked recently but I understand that most EU passport holders receive a visa /monetary stamp in their passports on arrival (€10 -€20), easy job.

I know that some Trabzonspor supporters have adopted Drogheda Utd as their Irish team, Colours + star and crescent.
http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=5177489755&ShowSims=Y


All of the above is based on normal circumstances and does not intend to predict the decisions after much whinging and cribbing from the Ireland side if the destination is considered 'tricky/nightmare trip' by many fans.

McCarthy during a previous qualifying tournament:
'People should get their priorities right, people are dying at the moment'. (almost accurate)

[NeilMcD]

This is an internet forum for football fans so therefore our complaints and issues are going to be footballing ones and they are going to be selfish but c'est la vie. None of us are happy about what is happening and of course all of us know that our issues pale into significance with those of the Georgian people, it still does not mean it is not appropriate for us to have a moan on this site.

[Newryrep]

Folks just got on to AB regrding Tbilisi flights although it may be just specific to me. Basically asked for a full refund on the Tbilisi legs of the booking quoting DFO advice etc. Got a quick reply about they were still flying, if you cancel then taxes only etc. However when I read it they bascally said

AB In this case we can refund all booking (as there was schedule changes for Riga - Dublin - Riga) and you can buy new ticket for flight to Riga.

MeAre you saying you will fully refund the whole booking DUB – Riga – Tbilisi – Riga . but I will need to buy a new ticket to Riga

But if I still want the Riga flight I will only be credited the unused airport taxes taxes on the Tbilisi legs

AB That is correct


So I told them to fully refund the whole booking and i will sort out new flight to Riga.

the thing is the schedule change was May unless there is a new one. Anyway
looks like I am sorted but not sure if it will help anybody else. The force majeure argument and the lack of insurance if you go against DFO advice is still relevent but I didnt need to use it

FORCE MAJEURE” means unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond your control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised.

3.1.4 If you have a Ticket, as described in 3.1.3 above and you are prevented from traveling due to Force Majeure, provided that you promptly advise us and furnish evidence of such Force Majeure, we will provide you with a credit of the non-refundable amount of the fare, for future travel on us, subject to deduction of an administration fee of SDR 17 (LVL 12).

Good luck

[AidoM]

Got on to Czech Air this morning. Enquired about full refund explaining about DFA advice etc. They said that flight had not been cancelled and they would only refund 25% of the fares and all taxes due. Just a preliminary enquiry but will acquire the Hornet's patience and take it further.

Got on to my travel insurance company as well. The general exclusion on my policy states:

"We shall not be liable for loss, damagedeath disablement or expenses directly or indirectly occasioned by, happening through or in consequence of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies .............."

So i'm fcuked :mad:

Just waiting on the new venue to see if it's gettable to and at what cost. Looking at all the possibilities mentioned above but at this point Istanbul would be the best option,

[NeilMcD]

Use VHI in future lads. I don't work for them but there was no quibble with them so I did not even ring Air Baltic yet.

[Sligo Hornet]

Seems Georgia may appeal Fifa's decision to switch the game!:eek:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/sport/2008/0820/1219158422209.html


I wonder if I should "re-book" my original flights and Hotel?;)

[Newryrep]

Got on to Czech Air this morning. Enquired about full refund explaining about DFA advice etc. They said that flight had not been cancelled and they would only refund 25% of the fares and all taxes due. Just a preliminary enquiry but will acquire the Hornet's patience and take it further.

Got on to my travel insurance company as well. The general exclusion on my policy states:

"We shall not be liable for loss, damagedeath disablement or expenses directly or indirectly occasioned by, happening through or in consequence of war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies .............."

So i'm fcuked :mad:

Just waiting on the new venue to see if it's gettable to and at what cost. Looking at all the possibilities mentioned above but at this point Istanbul would be the best option,

AidoM - tell them they are asking you to fly into an area deemed unsafe by multiple countries with no travel insurance as if you go against your countries advice your insurance is invalid. Dont mention you curently have insurance.

[zenokelly]

I e-mailed both Czech Airlines and Austrian airlines (return) about a possible refund.

Austrian Air were very helpful and offered a full refund straight away, while Czech Air have not responded. I'm going to get them on the phone now and see if persistence will work.

[NeilMcD]

Lads seriously I would hold back on your cancelling your flights. Deal with your insurance company as there is no rush in this. As Sligo has pointed out the game could be moved to Tiblisi and where would you be then. I contacted my insurance company and I know that I will get a full refund on the flights if I cannot take them.

[Newryrep]

Lads seriously I would hold back on your cancelling your flights. Deal with your insurance company as there is no rush in this. As Sligo has pointed out the game could be moved to Tiblisi and where would you be then. I contacted my insurance company and I know that I will get a full refund on the flights if I cannot take them.

I think at this stage it boils down to FAI/players insurance hence the rather early decision for a neutral venue. Cant really argue with it if your own country is telling you not to go. If you cant get a refund you are unlikely to be going to the neutral venue due to the initial outlay for Tbilisi.

It is a bit of a mess, clarification would be nice. Even if they did switch back to Tbilisi I wouldnt rebook until the DFA advice has changed (cant see that happening anytime soon) - to risky with no insurance.

[NeilMcD]

Fair enough, If the game is on in Tiblisi then I would go. I think we would be alright.

[Sligo Hornet]

Fair enough, If the game is on in Tiblisi then I would go. I think we would be alright.

I was of that opinion Neil, but would not consider going now to Tbilisi.....the political situation is highly volatile and it could kick-off in an instant

Plus I do not have any Brown underwear!!;)

[NeilMcD]

I grew up in Tallaght and West Clare to Tiblisi at the moment holds no worries for me

[Claret Murph]

I grew up in Tallaght and West Clare to Tiblisi at the moment holds no worries for me

Grew up in Tallaght and follow Bohs !!!! I bet you took a lot of beating at school;);)

[SuperDub]

I am waiting on a reply from Czech airlines i emailed them last night outlining them that advise from multiple countries is not to travel and that my travel insurance would be invalid. I don't hold much hope

[Closed Account 2]

I was of that opinion Neil, but would not consider going now to Tbilisi.....the political situation is highly volatile and it could kick-off in an instant

Plus I do not have any Brown underwear!!;)


Go commando and wear dark jeans...

[Junior]

Dont laugh but..........

How many fans do you estimate could possibly be burnt in the pocket if the game is moved - 500? More than this? Its possible the FAI could give a sympathetic ear to fans who have lost out as its not as though its 20,000 off to Paris. Its been done before by club sides.......Just a thought

[youngirish]

I see Georgia beat Wales at home last night something we couldn't manage to do a few months ago. They could prove a very difficult game for us even if we are playing at a neutral venue.

[stiofain]

I am waiting on a reply from Czech airlines i emailed them last night outlining them that advise from multiple countries is not to travel and that my travel insurance would be invalid. I don't hold much hope

Still in Norway atm, but i will do the same as soon as i get home.

[geysir]

There was something on RTE that Georgia / Tiblisi has not been ruled out.

FIFA must have Inspector Clouseau on the case.

[zenokelly]

Looks like FIFA are taking a step backwards.
FIFA has confirmed that it is continuing to monitor the situation in Georgia and is liaising closely with the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) over arrangements for the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ qualifier against Republic of Ireland on 6 September.

"FIFA will continue to closely monitor the situation in Georgia, while the Bureau of the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup will assess the very latest situation in the country as of 26 August 2008 - the deadline given to the Georgian Football Federation (GFF) for them to announce an alternative venue for their qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, scheduled for 6 September 2008," read a FIFA statement. "FIFA has asked the GFF to name an alternative venue for this match by 26 August 2008 in order to be prepared, should the situation in Georgia still require a neutral venue."

Group 8 of the UEFA Zone preliminaries to South Africa 2010 also comprises Italy, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Montenegro. Georgia are due to play the Italians in Udine four days after opening up their campaign against Republic of Ireland.

[Newryrep]

Looks like FIFA are taking a step backwards.

Farcical if they do, - so we take it a decision wont now be made until 26th. FIFA's indecision is final

[zenokelly]

Farcical if they do, - so we take it a decision wont now be made until 26th. FIFA's indecision is final

Ya it's a disgrace, that decision should have been final, they had enough time to "liaise" with the Georgians before making the initial statement to switch the venue. The FAI should sort this indecision out by telling FIFA to make a definite decision for the sake of the fans flights getting refunded etc.

[Noelys Guitar]

The Russian's are still in the country and are digging in not leaving according to the latest reports. I can't see any of the top clubs releasing players if the game is not moved to a neutral country.
From the BBC
Gen Anatoly Nogovitsyn, deputy chief of the Russian military's general staff, reiterated on Thursday that "by the end of 22 August all the forces of the Russian Federation will be behind the line of our zone of responsibility".

But a BBC correspondent in the Georgian village of Igoeti, just 35km (21 miles) from the capital Tbilisi, says Russian troops there do not appear to be preparing to leave. Russian forces are also dug in around Georgia's main Black Sea port of Poti.

[cavan_fan]

The Russian's are still in the country and are digging in not leaving according to the latest reports. I can't see any of the top clubs releasing players if the game is not moved to a neutral country.
From the BBC
Gen Anatoly Nogovitsyn, deputy chief of the Russian military's general staff, reiterated on Thursday that "by the end of 22 August all the forces of the Russian Federation will be behind the line of our zone of responsibility".

But a BBC correspondent in the Georgian village of Igoeti, just 35km (21 miles) from the capital Tbilisi, says Russian troops there do not appear to be preparing to leave. Russian forces are also dug in around Georgia's main Black Sea port of Poti.

Zone of responsibility is a great phrase. It means I think that the troops they have controlling Georgia will be within the area they control by the 22nd August.

[NeilMcD]

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3465

[NeilMcD]

Classic E mail from Air Baltic

Dear Sir,
In this case I can only advice You to change the dates of Your flights, but in this case You have to pay date change fee 35Ls per passenger per flight plus there can be fare difference additional payment , or receice taxes back.


Best Regards, Victoria
airBaltic

[Sligo Hornet]

http://www.fai.ie/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3465

ffs......I am now totally p*ssed off with this, and there is no way you could convince me that Tbilisi is a "safe" place to go for the foreseeable future......:mad:

[Sligo Hornet]

Classic E mail from Air Baltic

Dear Sir,
In this case I can only advice You to change the dates of Your flights, but in this case You have to pay date change fee 35Ls per passenger per flight plus there can be fare difference additional payment , or receice taxes back.


Best Regards, Victoria
airBaltic

Heads they win Tails you Lose!!:mad:

[AidoM]

ffs......I am now totally p*ssed off with this, and there is no way you could convince me that Tbilisi is a "safe" place to go for the foreseeable future......:mad:

It will be if you're not going :p :D

[Sligo Hornet]

It will be if you're not going :D

Fair point;)............Moscow Mule will not be going either....he's been banned by NATO!:D

[Newryrep]

http://foot.ie/showpost.php?p=1000679&postcount=132

I predict this game will not go ahead in Tbilisi

One of these has to be right:)

Personally dont think it would be dangerous (war/conflict wise) in Tbilisi just not risking travelling to eastern europe with no insurance ie against government advice

[zenokelly]

FIFA may have just taken a step backwards to keep the Georgians happy that they didn't make the decision too quickly.

I'd say next Tuesday that it will be confirmed that it will be played in a neutral venue, but it is frustrating that they seemed to confirm that the match wouldn't go ahead in Tbilisi and now they're having a change of mind.

[galwayhoop]

ffs the georgians couldn't even get visas from their own embassy and had to uundertake a mamouth bus jopurney to baku (iirc) to get them in order to travel from their own country to wales and now fifa reckon we might still have to go there!!!!

[gspain]

FIFA may have just taken a step backwards to keep the Georgians happy that they didn't make the decision too quickly.

I'd say next Tuesday that it will be confirmed that it will be played in a neutral venue, but it is frustrating that they seemed to confirm that the match wouldn't go ahead in Tbilisi and now they're having a change of mind.


I reckon the Italians have intervened and hence the change of mind by FIFA. Journalists and fAI officials had spoken to the Georgian fA and they were happy to play at a neutral venue. They didn't seem to be protesting in anyway. suddenly FIFA have a change of heart.

Georgia - small football nation FIFA don't care
Ireland -small football nation FIFA don't care.
Italy - huge influence.

My prediction now is that the game will end up being postponed despite what FIFA are saying. The Russains have no intention of leaving Georgia and probably never had so it can't be played in Tbilisi. I think time will run out on an alternative..

[geysir]

Could well be that or it could be that FIFA after listening to the Italians are now prepared to wait until the last possible moment (14 days?) before plan B is put into operation.

[Saint Tom]

im going if the game is on in tbilisi. at this stage it has to be done,

[Reddladd]

At this stage we're going even if the game isn't on in Tbilisi................provided the Russians are not within 20km. Flights are paid for so no point in wasting them!

Anyone else interested in watching the game in a bar in Tbilisi????