Ripple effects from the Russian invasion of Ukraine are being felt in Abbotstown with at least two of the Republic of Ireland’s Nations League matches in June set to be rescheduled.
As the World Cup playoff semi-final between Scotland and Ukraine at Hampden Park is shifted from March 24th to June, on request of the Ukrainian FA, the FAI’s plan to sell out the Aviva stadium on June 4th and June 11th, when both teams are due in Dublin, is now under threat.
Ireland’s trip to the Ukrainian city of Lviv on June 14th has already been moved to a neutral venue.
Uefa and Fifa, along with the Ukrainian and Scottish football associations, are expected to confirm a new arrangement that allows the World Cup draw to take place as planned in Doha on April 1st. That date is also under review as the winners of the Ukraine versus Scotland game were due to play the winners of Wales and Austria on March 29th.
“The Football Association of Ireland is aware of the postponement of the upcoming playoff game between Scotland and Ukraine,” read an FAI statement. “We are currently in talks with Uefa on the implications of this postponement for our Uefa Nations League fixtures in June and will update when we have more information.”
Poland have already received a bye past the playoff semi against Russia after Fifa and Uefa expelled all Russian teams from the sport in reaction to the invasion.
“Fifa would like to reiterate its condemnation of the ongoing use of force by Russia in Ukraine and calls for a rapid cessation of hostilities and for a return to peace,” read a Fifa statement that “unilaterally suspended” the contracts of all foreign players and coaches at clubs in Ukraine – the domestic league is currently suspended due to Martial law – and Russia from their contracts in order to sign for new clubs, in any jurisdiction, before April 7th.
“To further protect the integrity of competitions,” Fifa added, “clubs are entitled to register a maximum of two players who have benefited from the exception.”
This does little to assist the Ukraine national team, as 15 of their most recent 23-man squad are employed by domestic clubs like Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk.
The fixture crisis caused by the Russian invasion could also put pressure on the FAI’s record sales of 17,000 season tickets for six home matches in 2022. It remains unclear when Ireland’s four fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland can happen, with a rearrangement of at least two matches now a certainty.
The situation is not expected to hinder the FAI’s imminent announcement that Stephen Kenny will receive a new contract, running to the Euros in 2024, after chief executive Jonathan Hill stated last month that the association intends to have the deal signed alongside the appointment of a coach to replace Anthony Barry before the Belgium friendly at the Aviva on March 26th.
The FAI also intends to welcome another international side to Dublin before the World Cup kicks off in Qatar on November 21st.
Nations League fixtures
June 4th: Republic of Ireland v Ukraine, Aviva stadium
June 7th: Armenia v Republic of Ireland, Yerevan
June 11th: Republic of Ireland v Scotland, Aviva stadium
June 14th: Ukraine v Republic of Ireland, venue TBC
September 23rd: Scotland v Republic of Ireland, Hampden Park
September 26th: Republic of Ireland v Armenia, Aviva stadium
*subject to change
