Georgia vs Northern Ireland: Some NI fans will attend a Nations League match behind closed doors

The Irish Football Association has confirmed that Northern Ireland fans who booked travel and accommodation for the Nations League match away to Georgia before it was announced it would be played behind closed doors will be allowed to attend the match.

In February, it was confirmed that Northern Ireland’s opening match in League B2 on 25 September would be played without fans after the Georgian Football Association was hit with sanctions following multiple breaches of UEFA regulations and crowd disturbance at a match against Armenia last year.

At the time, Northern Ireland fans spokesman Gary McAllister said they were only made aware of the issue by football supporters in Europe, and added that a number of fans had booked flights to Georgia when the fixtures were released that morning.

Now FIFA has said that after “constructive dialogue with UEFA” those who have booked flights and accommodation in Georgia will be allowed to attend the match with valid proof of purchase.

A FIFA statement said: “Fans who are able to prove that their arrangements have been made before the stadium closure is confirmed will be issued match tickets.”

He added: “The Federation will contact the affected fans directly to confirm the necessary ticket arrangements.”

Irish Football Association chief executive Patrick Nelson added: “We appreciate the commitment and loyalty shown by those fans who have already made plans to travel and support the team.

“We also recognize the disappointment some fans will feel in not being able to attend due to the restrictions in place and the unique circumstances surrounding this match and we thank them for their patience, understanding and continued support.”