March 25 – FIFA could be forced into making a ruling on when to reschedule the World Cup qualifier between Northern Ireland and Russia, twice postponed because of the unseasonally hostile weather that has ripped through most of Britain.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill wants the rearranged game to take place soon after the British domestic season ends in May. Russia would prefer to schedule the game around its June 7 clash with Portugal and turn it into a double-header.
But that’s too late, according to the Irish Football Association who say its players will have been out of training for several weeks. Alternatively, an international date exists on 14 August, but Russia have already agreed to face Argentina in a friendly then.
Negotiations will not take place until after Northern Ireland’s match against Israel on Tuesday but it seems FIFA may have to step in and act as negotiator.
“If we play on one of the international dates in June that could be four to six weeks since the players were in regular football – well into their summer break. That would not be ideal,” said O’Neill. “If possible, I am going for a date in May as close to the end of the season as possible.”
Russia today play a friendly match against Brazil at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium, the first time Russia have ‘hosted’ a friendly game outside of Russia. Chelsea are owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.
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