The FAI have released a statement about the upcoming Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia, with the fixture looking uncertain due to the ongoing global health crisis surrounding the COVID-19 virus.
A number of sporting fixtures have been affected by the virus, with Ireland's Six Nations game against France the latest to be called off. With a number of other sporting events either postponed or set to be played behind closed doors, it had been speculated that Ireland's game against Slovakia on March 26th could be affected.
Slovakia confirmed their first case of the virus last week, with that number now sitting at six. The Slovakian FA have said that they will leave any decision surrounding the upcoming game against Ireland to the relevant authorities.
The FAI have now responded. They said that while the game is currently set to go ahead as planned, the situation remains fluid and could change in the coming days and weeks.
The Football Association of Ireland is in communication with the Slovakian FA and local authorities regarding the UEFA EURO 2020 Play-Off in Bratislava scheduled for March 26th and is also engaged in talks around the fixture with UEFA and the Irish Embassy in Slovakia.
As of today, Monday, the game is scheduled to go ahead as planned but talks will continue involving all parties. The Slovakian FA are in constant communication with their Government and health officials and will inform us immediately of any update.
The FAI will continue to heed the advice of the Irish Government and UEFA in relation to this game and will relay any news around the fixtures to supporters and staff as soon as it becomes available.
Italy have taken the decision to play all Serie A games behind closed doors for the foreseeable future, while the Champions League game between PSG and Borussia Dortmund in Paris will also be played in an empty stadium.
