Wales in contact with Foreign Office after Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Posted on

Wales chiefs are in contact with the UK Foreign Office ahead of the national team’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia following conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region… with Rob Page’s side set to play just 171 miles away from disputed territory

  • UEFA are also monitoring the situation although there are no plans for move yet 
  • Wales’ trip could be decisive as they bid for a spot in next year’s competition
  • Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here 

Wales chiefs are in contact with the UK Foreign Office ahead of November’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Armenia following conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

The territory, which had been controlled by Armenians for three decades, was seized by Azerbaijan last week. Wales face the hosts on November 18 in the capital city Yerevan, which is 171 miles from Nagorno-Karabakh.

UEFA are also monitoring the situation yet as things stand there are no plans to discuss switching the fixture to a different venue, with Wales fully expecting to play in Yerevan.

The region is recognised internationally as part of Azerbaijan but Armenia took control in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The leader of the self-declared Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh has now said it will cease to exist in the new year.

Wales’ clash there could be decisive for their prospects of reaching Euro 2024 next summer. Rob Page’s team need to finish in the top three to have a chance of reaching the finals and are fourth in Group D, behind Armenia on goal difference. Armenia won 4-2 in Cardiff in June, piling pressure on to Page.

Wales are set to play a must-win qualifier in Armenia in November against the backdrop of conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region

Tens of thousands of refugees have fled the region – referred to as Artsakh by ethnic Armenians – since Azerbaijan’s military offensive last week

Rob Page’s side are expected to play in the capital of Yerevan after facing Croatia at home

That was eased a little when Wales won 2-0 in Latvia earlier this month but they take on group leaders Croatia at home next month. Then comes the trip to Armenia before Wales round off their campaign against Turkey in Cardiff on November 21.

Page has suffered an early blow ahead of the Croatia game after skipper Aaron Ramsey picked up a knee injury in training. Cardiff boss Erol Bulut said: ‘The medical report says he won’t be available for three weeks. I hope we can have him back after the international break.’

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

Your browser does not support iframes.

Source: Read Full Article