FAI at advanced stage of negotiations over Turkey friendly

At least two more friendly games are expected to be played in late May or early June

Turkish fans let off flares during the last friendly between the sides in 2014. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Turkish fans let off flares during the last friendly between the sides in 2014. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

The FAI is at advanced stage of negotiations with the Turkish FA about a friendly game to be played in March.

No final agreement has been reached but it is understood that the game would be played in Turkey with the southern city of Antalya reported to be the likely venue.

Ireland last played the Turks in Dublin in May of 2014 when the visitors won 2-1. Like Ireland, they failed to qualify for next summer's World Cup with their team finishing fourth in Group I, seven points behind winners Iceland and five adrift of runners-up Croatia.

The March international window extends over nine days from the 19th to the 27th but, assuming it is confirmed, the Turkey game may be Ireland’s only one that month.

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The association, meanwhile, is weighing up options for the summer with at least two games expected to be played in late May or early June.

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times