FAI officials will be asked today to explain why they deem it necessary for the Republic of Ireland's proposed friendly against Jamaica on March 22nd, to be played in London rather than Dublin.
The request will come from bemused English FA authorities who must approve the fixture before it can be played within their jurisdiction. And at this point, they are reserving judgment on the matter.
"It is, by any standard, a strange request," said an FA spokesman. "There is no precedent, certainly not in recent times, for two overseas countries playing a friendly game in London and to that extent, the matter has to be considered carefully.
"We are writing to the FAI tomorrow to ascertain the reasons behind the request and based on the reply, we shall probably make a decision before the end of the week."
Despite the fact that the fixture was first mooted a fortnight ago, it was not until Monday that the FA was approached for permission to stage the game in London.
That, the FAI hastens to explain, was the responsibility of the agent who, acting on behalf of the Jamaican Federation, first put the proposition to Irish officials and who then assumed responsibility for putting all the match arrangements in place, including permission for a London setting for the novel fixture.
FAI officials are awaiting word from London before commenting but they point out that it was on the premise that the match could go ahead in London that they became interested in the proposition.
Traditionally, Lansdowne Road is unavailable to the FAI until the last week in March and the point is emphasised by the fact that Ireland are due to play Wales there in the Five Nations rugby championship on March 21st, the day before the proposed soccer game.
That, in itself, would not automatically preclude the Jamaican fixture going ahead. In the debate which preceded the World Cup play-off with Belgium on November 15th, it emerged that logistically, it is possible for rugby and soccer international games to be played in the stadium, on consecutive days.
To do so, however, would involve additional expense for the FAI and given the relatively low key nature of a meeting with Jamaica, it is felt that it cannot be justified at this time.
A second sound financial reason for a London venue is that the Republic of Ireland squad is due to assemble there on March 22nd in preparation for their scheduled European championship warm up game against the Czech Republic at Oromouc three days later.
The proposed Jamaican fixture is seen as a useful but not necessarily essential part of that programme. Ultimately, however, it will only take place if it is cost effective and that now hinges on the goodwill of the authorities in London.
Paul Gascoigne's flute-playing controversy is set to run after the Scottish Football Association last night delayed a decision on the matter.They are to consult the Scottish Football League before reaching a final verdict. The England midfielder has already been fined £20,000 by Rangers after imitating a flute-player whilst warming up for a match against Celtic on January 2nd at Parkhead.
