Russia's soccer chief has dismissed media reports that his country's 2004 European championship qualifier against Ireland on Saturday could be postponed because of heavy smog hanging over Moscow. "No, absolutely not, we don't even have any provisions for a possible postponement," Alexander Tukmanov, executive director of the Russian Football Union (RFU), told Reuters today. "The match will go on schedule, I can guarantee that."
RFU secretary general Vladimir Rodionov was quoted earlier in the day by Russian media as saying that the group 10 opener at Moscow's Lokomotiv stadium could be in jeopardy unless weather conditions improved.
The smog from fires outside the capital thickened considerably on Thursday morning, particularly in eastern Moscow, where the Lokomotiv stadium is located. The pitch was barely visible from the upper stands.
Smog also prompted delays in some flights at Moscow airports on Thursday morning. The Irish are scheduled to arrive in Moscow later today.
"We're monitoring the situation on a daily basis," said Tukmanov. "Yes, the smog was really bad this morning, but in the afternoon the situation has improved, so right now I wouldn't worry about the cancellation of the match on Saturday."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
