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!
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We still looking at the same time kick off?
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
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.
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!
I will be phoning them from work too Newry Rep, when the venue is announced, has to be done :D
not sure, didn't think so.
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?Memb...755&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)
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.
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
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,
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.
Seems Georgia may appeal Fifa's decision to switch the game!:eek:
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...158422209.html
I wonder if I should "re-book" my original flights and Hotel?;)
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.
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.
Fair enough, If the game is on in Tiblisi then I would go. I think we would be alright.
I grew up in Tallaght and West Clare to Tiblisi at the moment holds no worries for me
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
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
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.
There was something on RTE that Georgia / Tiblisi has not been ruled out.
FIFA must have Inspector Clouseau on the case.
Looks like FIFA are taking a step backwards.Quote:
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.
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.
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.
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