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Ireland's playoff with Slovakia could be played behind closed doors

The Republic of Ireland may be forced to play their Euro 2020 playoff against Slovakia behind closed...
Phil Egan
Phil Egan

9:07 AM - 3 Mar 2020



Ireland's playoff with Slovaki...

Sport

Ireland's playoff with Slovakia could be played behind closed doors

Phil Egan
Phil Egan

9:07 AM - 3 Mar 2020



The Republic of Ireland may be forced to play their Euro 2020 playoff against Slovakia behind closed doors if the coronavirus continues to spread.

Mick McCarthy's men are due to face Slovakia in Bratislava on March 26th and UEFA says the Slovakian government will have the final call on whether the game goes ahead as planned or behind closed doors.

There is also a chance the playoff semi-final may have to be moved to another country but Slovakia is yet to register a case of coronavirus.

More than 2,000 Irish supporters have tickets for the game at the Tehelne Pole Stadium in Bratislava.

UEFA delegates have gathered in Amsterdam ahead of Congress and the draw for the Nations League.

UEFA Executive Committee member Alexey Sorokin was asked about the outbreak following an Executive Committee meeting in Amsterdam on Monday.

Sorokin told Sky Sports News: "No - we don't sense any panic. None whatsoever.

"The focus [of the meeting] was obviously not on coronavirus. Right now, the situation with the Euros is stable. I think we need to assess the situation as it develops."

"There are no changes to the tournament. So, we continue our preparation the way it's going. There's only a few months left and we're doing our best to receive as many fans as possible.

"The owner of the tournament is UEFA so I would leave it to UEFA to make all the necessary statements. It is our job to do our best to prepare our cities, and St Petersburg is one of them, to the best of their abilities and to give a warm welcome to all football lovers.

"I think we need to assess the situation as it develops."



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Coronavirus Euro 2020 FAI Republic Of Ireland Slovakia UEFA

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