NORTHERN IRELAND fans will be allowed to attend their away trip to Georgia if they can prove they already booked travel and accommodation.
‘s side travel to Tbilisi for a clash in September.
Uefa will allow Northern Ireland fans to travel to Georgia in September despite a stadium banCredit: Alamy
But last month announced that the game would be played behind closed doors after were hit with sanctions over crowd disorder.
It came after Uefa fined the Georgian FA more than £34,000 when fan behaviour breached their regulations during a game against Armenia last year.
The country’s governing body were punished after supporters were accused of setting off fireworks, blocking passageways and pointing lasers at players.
Northern Ireland fans were unhappy about the decision after only being informed after many had paid for flights and hotels.
Uefa normally bans both sets of fans after issuing a stadium ban.
But after talks between the Irish FA and Uefa, supporters will be allowed to travel to the game if they can prove they had made travel arrangements.
An IFA statement read: “Following constructive dialogue with Uefa, the Irish FA can confirm that supporters who had already booked travel and accommodation prior to the announcement that the upcoming Nations League fixture away to Georgia would be played behind closed doors will now be permitted to attend the match.
“Supporters who were able to demonstrate that their arrangements were made before the stadium closure was confirmed will be issued tickets for the game,” read an IFA statement.
“The association will contact the affected supporters directly to confirm the necessary ticketing arrangements.”
But fans can travel to watch the team if they can prove they already paid for travelCredit: Reuters
IFA chief Patrick Nelson added: “We recognise the commitment and loyalty shown by those fans who had already made plans to travel and support the team.
“We are also mindful of the disappointment some supporters will feel at not being able to attend due to the restrictions in place and the unique circumstances surrounding this fixture.
“We thank them for their patience and understanding and the continued support shown.”
Uefa’s disciplinary rules state that “a maximum of 200 people holding category 1 tickets from the visiting club or association” may attend a game behind closed doors in some cases.
Northern Ireland will be focusing on a massive World Cup play-off tie against on March 26.
They’ll then travel for the Georgia game on September 25, before playing more Nations League matches against and .
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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