Georgia game at risk?

**spin** · 27/08/2008, 3:57 PM

What do you think they're talking about over their canap�s and champagne in Zurich? The merits of German reisling versus the difficulties in obtaining abkhazian wines in Tiblisi? They're probably half-sozzled by now and have forgotten to inform the world's media of their choice.

Obviously, as now seems likely, if the game is switched to Karlsruhe, the issue of tickets needs to be resolved. I assume we'll get more than initially allocated...not sure if they can throw in some extra bucket seats to increase capacity...14000 is not too many, sure there's at least that many Irish living in and around the area never mind all the ones paying small fortunes for oxygen-free flights from dublin...

**Dodge** · 27/08/2008, 4:02 PM

Originally Posted by BradyIsMyHero

Hello, FAI! Is there anybody at home ?

Probably my first time ever sticking up for them,. but they can't say/do anything until informed by FIFA

**BradyIsMyHero** · 27/08/2008, 4:15 PM

Just phoned the FAI

Mentioned that it's all over the international media that the game is in Karlsruhe, and had they heard about it ?

Was told that Georgians had proposed this to FIFA and that was all they had heard. FIFA supposedly were to meet at 1pm today to decide on this, but they hadn't heard from FIFa.

I mentioned that an oul' call from John Boy Delaney to his oul' mucker Sepp might not go astray, and might be handy if the fans had some information

Girl answering the phone sounded vaguely East European, and didn't seem to have any sense of irony! She advised me to call again tomorrow!!!!

**Newryrep** · 27/08/2008, 4:22 PM

No decision as yet at close of business ???? jesus wept Close of business ? FIFA or FAI business ?

**zenokelly** · 27/08/2008, 4:26 PM

So does this mean there won't be a decision today?

Hope not anyway.

Georgia V Ireland: No decision yet from FIFA

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Date: Wednesday, 27 August 2008 Section: International

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At close of business today, FIFA has made no decision in relation to the venue for the Group 8 World Cup Qualifier between Georgia and Republic of Ireland on September 6. We remind fans that FIFA is the only authority who will make a decision on this fixture. The FAI will keep fans updated on www.fai.ie in the event of a FIFA decision.

**geysir** · 27/08/2008, 4:30 PM

The hesitation of FIFA to confirm the Karlsruhe venue would appear to support the postponement theory.
The longer the jury is out the more the innocent party, us, need to worry.

Could be that FIFA are not happy with the Karlsruhe venue. May not be suitable.
Could be some differing discussions about the seat allocation for Irish fans but that would mean the FAI being pro active and thinking ahead.

**AidoM** · 27/08/2008, 4:36 PM

From FAI website today - 27th August 2008

"At close of business today, FIFA has made no decision in relation to the venue for the Group 8 World Cup Qualifier between Georgia and Republic of Ireland on September 6. We remind fans that FIFA is the only authority who will make a decision on this fixture. The FAI will keep fans updated on www.fai.ie in the event of a FIFA decision."

**gspain** · 27/08/2008, 4:42 PM

Guys in fairness the FAI are as much in the dark as the rest of us.

If the game goes to Germany my understanding is that all Georgia home games go there.

Georgia will want a postponement or Tbilisi despite what somebody told somebody in Reuters last night.

Now as has been mentioned already Karlsruhe may not even be suitable. Why recommend a small stadium with terracing and one that isn't used for International football AFAIK.

So you want a postponement, you give FIFA Tbilisi or Karlsruhe. FIFA say the ground doesn't match up, have a nasty meeting threaten to throw the Georigans out but don't really mean it. The Georigans know that, take a few nasty comments while laughing up their sleeves at FIFA. FIFA either assign a venue or just postpone it.

The fact that it hasn't been confirmed means that there is something up. I don't know what it is and I'm guessing. I don't think the FAI know either. One thing for sure FIFA have never ever ever cared about football fans and they won't start caring today.

**mypost** · 27/08/2008, 4:49 PM

Good that the FAI released a statement, although it should have been much earlier.

The longer the wait, the more likelihood of a postponement, so nobody should book anything until the decision is made.

**eirebhoy** · 27/08/2008, 4:59 PM

Originally Posted by BradyIsMyHero

Seems to be definite now

http://www.irishtimes.com/sports/soc...680055333.html

Looks like they've updated that.

**zenokelly** · 27/08/2008, 5:00 PM

http://www.ksc.de/aktuelles/anzeigen...ildpark-1.html

This does not look good. It seeems to me that this states that it won't take place in the Wildparkstadion anyway

**eirebhoy** · 27/08/2008, 5:06 PM

Originally Posted by zenokelly

http://www.ksc.de/aktuelles/anzeigen...ildpark-1.html

This does not look good. It seeems to me that this states that it won't take place in the Wildparkstadion anyway

dodgy translation:

No World Cup qualification match in the game park

For Saturday, 06.09.08, scheduled World Cup qualifying Group 8 game between Georgia and Ireland is not in Karlsruhe Wildpark stadium out. This is the result of talks between the leaders of the KSC and the Georgian Association.

"The Georgian Association would very much like to play here in Karlsruhe, and we would also like this request met. Due to the shortness of time and many organizational uncertainties in the implementation here in the game park, we unfortunately have to decide, the Georgian Association to ask for another venue for it, "said KSC manager Rolf Dohmen.

"Just because our player Alexander Iashvili, we would like the lot here allows the external circumstances but ultimately speak against an implementation, the KSC and the cause of the lot is also worthy and fair."

Iashvili meets with his national team in another qualification game at 10.09. in Udine on world champions Italy.

**geysir** · 27/08/2008, 5:09 PM

Originally Posted by zenokelly

http://www.ksc.de/aktuelles/anzeigen...ildpark-1.html

This does not look good. It seeems to me that this states that it won't take place in the Wildparkstadion anyway

You are right, it politely reads as a NO - look elsewhere.

**carloz** · 27/08/2008, 5:42 PM

This may sound a little silly but could FIFA be contemplating suspending the match to another date because of Italian influence. Italians are obviously big dogs in Europe, what with being world champions and all. Im sure that if they questioned FIFA about playing this match in Germany, FIFA would quite likely give into what the Italians want

**RonnieB** · 27/08/2008, 5:50 PM

Yup, I would say there is a lot of pressure being applied by the Italians. I could have a nice weekend sitting in the stadium by myself

**Greenforever** · 27/08/2008, 6:21 PM

Apparently the FAI are meeting the Georgian FA tomorrow in Germany and examining 2 venues, one believed to be 50 miles west of Frankfort, the other apparently our favourite German City.

**zenokelly** · 27/08/2008, 6:27 PM

Originally Posted by Greenforever

Apparently the FAI are meeting the Georgian FA tomorrow in Germany and examining 2 venues, one believed to be 50 miles west of Frankfort, the other apparently our favourite German City.

Any links, or is it a Sunday World source?

**BradyIsMyHero** · 27/08/2008, 6:38 PM

or The Herald, who started this b*llsh*t story about Karlshruhe in the first place

**Newryrep** · 27/08/2008, 6:44 PM

dont know what to think ? the fact that there has been no anouncements doesnt bode well. the Georgian FA may have played it cute in recommending an unsuitable staduim at the last minute to cause FIFA to postpone it as it is late in the day to find/agree a suitable venue and not worth the hassle

Postponement - means no away trip this year, i would be very disapointed

Karlsruhe - best option for me personally but looks like the stadium isnt up
to it

It needs to be a small stadium to save costs and can you imagine 10K Irish 500 Goergian fans in a 60000 stadium like stuttgart. It would be like a library

If all Georgian home games have to be played at a neutral venue why the pressure from the Italiens ?