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Confusion over Georgia v Rep of Ireland venue

FIFA were expected to approve Karlsruhe as the venue of the 6 September World Cup qualifier
FIFA were expected to approve Karlsruhe as the venue of the 6 September World Cup qualifier

The Georgian Football Federation have confirmed that their World Cup group eight qualifier against the Republic of Ireland will take place in Karlsruhe, but the venue is not available according to a statement from the German club.

FIFA decided that the match, due to take place on 6 September, must be moved from Tbilisi played at a neutral venue due to security concerns in the country.

The GFF have now selected the Bundesliga ground - where striker Alexandre Iashvili plays his club football - as their chosen venue.

However, a statement on the club website revealed that logistic issues would prevent the match taking place.

FIFA had been expected to give their official seal of approval on Wednesday.

The German venue, the 32,306-capacity Wildparkstadion, is the home of Karlsruhe SC.

FIFA ordered the Georgians to nominate an alternative as political unrest continued in their country last week.

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