FIFA move Georgia cup tie to neutral venue

(CNN) -- Georgia's World Cup qualifier against Ireland scheduled to take place in Tblisi on September 6 will be moved to a neutral country because of the conflict in the former Soviet state, FIFA ruled on Tuesday.

The Georgian Football Federation have been given until early next week to nominate an alternative venue with Azerbaijan and Armenia among those being mentioned.

"FIFA today decided that the 2010 FIFA World Cup preliminary competition match between Georgia and the Republic of Ireland, scheduled for 6 September 2008, will take place at a neutral venue due to recent events in Georgia, which have affected security in the entire country," world football's governing body said.

"FIFA reached this decision after closely monitoring the situation in Georgia and taking note that UEFA also decided to ask Georgian clubs involved in UEFA competitions to play their matches in neutral countries.

"The Georgian Football Federation has until 26 August 2008 to nominate a neutral venue to host the qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland, which will take place on the scheduled date of 6 September 2008."

Ireland's Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni expressed his sadness at the situation in Georgia and his sympathy for the nation's football team.

However, he insisted he was happy the calendar had remained intact with his planning for the campaign well under way.

He said: "It would have been very difficult for us to play in Georgia. For both teams, not only for us, the first game is very, very important.

"I am sad about the situation, but we cannot do anything about that. It is important the teams play on September 6. It is important to continue the calendar."

Ireland captain Robbie Keane echoed those views in Oslo where his side face Norway in a warm-up game.

"It was important that we did play the game no matter where it was. We have everything set out and the players were looking forward to the two games."