Wales write to Uefa to complain about ‘nightmare’ stadium where they will face Croatia
WALES have written to Uefa amid “nightmare” safety concerns for their fans travelling to next month’s Euro 2024 qualifier in Croatia.
The Dragons’ national security officer Wayne Nash has made contact with European football chiefs to register their worries ahead of the March 25 showdown in Split.
GettyWales’ clash with Croatia is scheduled for Poljud Stadium[/caption]
The venue in Split has hosted a number of Croatia national team gamesGetty
The Football Association of Wales recently undertook a site visit to Croatia which is normal prior to away fixtures.
But at an FAW meeting with the Football Supporters Association it was revealed one of the fans’ representatives Paul Corkrey branded the Poljud Stadium “not fit for purpose” for a qualifying match.
And, as a result, Nash officially penned a letter to Uefa to disapprove of the Split venue because the 33,987-capacity stadium goes against the standards set by Euro chiefs.
Everton’s Europa League trip to Hajduk Split in August 2017 was marred by incidents inside and outside the stadium.
Robert Page’s Wales have been granted an allocation of 1,700 tickets for the opening Euro 2024 tie.
In the minutes of the meeting, it stated the FAW are waiting for a reply from the Split stadium to see if improvements can be made before the Group D clash.
Fans’ rep Corkrey provided feedback from the visit which said the stadium was a “nightmare for fans”, especially those allocated in caged areas with sight lines not great.
However, it was also noted that the Poljud stadium in Split does generate an amazing atmosphere.
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It has hosted five national team matches in the last five years.
The most recent saw 30,000 people attend their 1-1 draw with France last June.
It also hosted Cristiano Ronaldo in 2020, as Portugal beat Croatia 3-2 in a behind-closed-doors match.
