The highly anticipated Montenegro vs Wales Nations League match next month has been thrown into uncertainty due to the poor condition of the Podgorica National Stadium pitch. The venue, which has been Montenegro’s home since they played their first international in 2007, has been deemed unfit to host the match by Uefa inspectors. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has been left to ponder the possibility of a change of venue, with Niksic’s City Stadium emerging as a potential alternative.
The news has come as a blow to the FAW, who had been pushing for a new pitch to be laid in Podgorica for several weeks. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney expressed his concerns, stating, “We have been asking for a new pitch to be laid in Podgorica for several weeks. We will wait to see if that can happen in time, but we will learn on Tuesday where the game will be played.” The uncertainty surrounding the venue has left fans and players alike in a state of limbo, with many having already booked accommodation in the capital.
The Podgorica National Stadium pitch has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent weeks, with reports in the Montenegrin media showing the pitch to be dry and cratered in places, with large areas of grass missing. The pitch was deemed unfit for a Uefa Conference League qualifier, and Buducnost Podgorica’s fixture against CSKA Sofia was subsequently switched to the nearby DG Arena. An FAW delegation inspected the pitch and expressed doubts about its suitability to host the Montenegro vs Wales match following Sunday’s inspection by Uefa officials.
Uefa Inspectors Raise Concerns Over Podgorica National Stadium Pitch
Uefa inspectors visited the Podgorica National Stadium on Sunday and expressed serious concerns about the game going ahead at the original venue. The inspectors were left unimpressed by the state of the pitch, which has been plagued by problems in recent weeks. The news has come as a blow to the FAW, who had been hoping to play the match at the Podgorica National Stadium.
The Uefa inspectors’ concerns were echoed by the FAW, who have been pushing for a new pitch to be laid in Podgorica for several weeks. FAW chief executive Noel Mooney stated, “We have been asking for a new pitch to be laid in Podgorica for several weeks. We will wait to see if that can happen in time, but we will learn on Tuesday where the game will be played.” The uncertainty surrounding the venue has left fans and players alike in a state of limbo, with many having already booked accommodation in the capital.
Alternative Venue Emerges as Uefa Inspectors Visit Niksic’s City Stadium
Uefa inspectors visited Niksic’s City Stadium on Monday, which has emerged as a potential alternative venue for the Montenegro vs Wales match. The stadium, which has a capacity of 5,000, has never staged a senior international match before. However, there are concerns that the stadium does not meet Uefa criteria for staging such matches.
The FAW has expressed concerns about the logistical implications of a change of venue, with many fans having already booked accommodation in the capital. Niksic is approximately 53 kilometers from Podgorica, with the journey taking around an hour by bus or train. The FAW has stated that it will not pursue other possible alternatives for hosting the fixture, including playing the game on neutral territory in neighboring Albania or reversing the fixture with Wales hosting next month’s meeting and Craig Bellamy’s side traveling to Montenegro in October.
Logistical Implications of a Change of Venue
A change of venue would pose significant logistical problems for the FAW and the 700 Wales fans who have already booked accommodation in the capital. The FAW has expressed concerns about the impact on fans, with many having already made travel arrangements. The change of venue would also have implications for the team, with Craig Bellamy’s side having to adapt to a new stadium and surroundings.
The FAW has stated that it will do everything in its power to minimize the disruption caused by a change of venue. However, the uncertainty surrounding the venue has left fans and players alike in a state of limbo. The FAW has urged fans to wait for confirmation of the venue before making any further travel arrangements.
Impact on Fans and Players
The uncertainty surrounding the venue has had a significant impact on fans and players alike. Many fans have already booked accommodation in the capital, and the change of venue would cause significant disruption. The FAW has urged fans to wait for confirmation of the venue before making any further travel arrangements.
The players have also been affected by the uncertainty surrounding the venue. Craig Bellamy’s side has been preparing for the match, and the change of venue would require them to adapt to a new stadium and surroundings. The FAW has stated that it will do everything in its power to minimize the disruption caused by a change of venue.
Conclusion of the Montenegro vs Wales Match Venue
The uncertainty surrounding the venue for the Montenegro vs Wales match has been a major talking point in recent weeks. The poor condition of the Podgorica National Stadium pitch has raised concerns about the suitability of the venue, and Uefa inspectors have expressed serious concerns about the game going ahead at the original venue.
The FAW has been left to ponder the possibility of a change of venue, with Niksic’s City Stadium emerging as a potential alternative. However, there are concerns that the stadium does not meet Uefa criteria for staging such matches. The FAW has urged fans to wait for confirmation of the venue before making any further travel arrangements.
The Montenegro vs Wales match is scheduled to take place on September 9, and the FAW is expected to make a decision on the venue in the coming days. Fans and players alike will be eagerly awaiting the decision, which will have a significant impact on the match and the Nations League campaign.