Skip to content

European Qualifiers: Gibraltar confirm they will remain at the Estadio do Algarve

The Gibraltar team pose for a photo during the EURO 2016 Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Gibraltar at Aviva Stadium in Dublin
Image: Gibraltar will continue to play their home European Qualifiers at the Estadio do Algarve

Gibraltar have confirmed they will play the remainder of their home European Qualifiers at the Estadio do Algarve.

There had been some speculation next year’s home matches against Germany, Republic of Ireland and Scotland could be moved to London.

But the Gibraltar FA has insisted there is no truth in that suggestion and confirmed home games will continue to take place in Portugal.

“Following speculation that matches may be moved to venues in London, the GFA would like to confirm that the European Qualifiers against Germany (13th June 2015), the Republic of Ireland (4th September 2015) and Scotland (11th October 2015) will take place at the Estadio do Algarve in Faro/Loule, Portugal,” read a statement on the Gibraltar FA’s official Facebook page.

“The two issues of concern regarding the continued use of the Estadio do Algarve have now been resolved to the GFA’s satisfaction.

More from European Qualifiers

“Concerns over VAT and other tax issues have been resolved following discussions with the Portuguese FA, Portuguese tax authorities and UEFA.

“Concerns over security arrangements have also been resolved after the GFA contracted a new security company to deal with security at the stadium on match days.

“The new company performed satisfactorily during the recent match versus Georgia and the feedback received by the GFA from our supporters was very positive in that respect.

“Furthermore, the GFA had also received representations from the German, Irish and Scottish FAs on behalf of German, Irish and Scottish fans who had already booked flights and made accommodation arrangements in Portugal.

“The GFA will now provide those FAs with assurances that the matches will take place in Portugal.

“Given all these considerations, the GFA is content to continue using the Estadio do Algarve as our “home” stadium, until such time as there is a stadium in Gibraltar which meets with UEFA’s approval for the hosting of competitive international matches.

See how Gibraltar get on when they face world champions Germany at the Grundig Stadion in Nuremberg on November 14. Coverage begins via the red button on Sky Sports 5 HD at 7.45pm.

Around Sky