January 28 – Russia and Georgia have agreed to end their footballing stand-off and play each other if paired together in next month’s draw for the Euro 2016 qualifying tournament.
The two countries have sent separate documentation to UEFA stating their willingness to bury their differences.
“I’m very pleased to say that the Russians and Georgians can play together if they are in the same group,” said UEFA president Michel Platini.
UEFA has kept apart Russia and Georgia in all national team competitions since a brief 2008 conflict between the two former Soviet neighbours who have no diplomatic relations.
“We have received letters from the Russian federation and Georgian federation,” Platini told reporters. “There had been certain doubts cast but both of those countries are happy to play each other. I’m not sure what political discussions took place between their governments. We’re only in touch with the football associations.”
Meanwhile, UEFA has confirmed that Euro 2016 qualifying matches will be spread over six days of so-called “international weeks” rather than concentrated into two as in the past when games were staged on Fridays and Tuesday.
Now, they will be more evenly distributed.
“Supporters will get the chance to attend and watch more national team matches than ever before,” said UEFA secretary general Gianni Infantino. “Broadcasters will get more games and more appointments to view. National associations will have a consistent schedule and stable revenue.”
UEFA said that every day of the so-called “week of football” would feature eight to 10 matches, rather than 20 to 30 on the same evening.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734870972labto1734870972ofdlr1734870972owedi1734870972sni@w1734870972ahsra1734870972w.wer1734870972dna1734870972