This weekend the play-offs of the World Cup qualifier for Russia 2018 take place as well as international friendlies.
FSE Fans’ Embassies will be on the ground at some of these matches, including the Northern Irish, Swiss and Danish Fans’ Embassies for the play-offs and the Welsh Fans’ Embassy for their friendly match in France.
While work is already done for the Swiss Fans’ Embassy, who provided info and support for their travelling supporters in Belfast, the Danish Fans’ Embassy, run by Danske Fodbold Fanklubber will arrive in Dublin on Monday and leave on Wednesday. Four volunteers will run the show in close cooperation with Danish and Irish police. 2400 Danish fans are travelling to the Emerald Isle. “We have applied for a FanWalk, but are still waiting for local police to process the application. There will be two friendly fan matches – one on Saturday in Copenhagen, and one in Dublin on Tuesday”, said coordinator Tine Hundahl Jensen. A fan guide has been produced and will be sent via the FA to all ticket buyers. “We are looking forward to travelling to Dublin and to see two fan cultures come together for a great party”, Tine added.
Northern Ireland’s Green-White Army will find their Fans’ Embassy for the 2nd leg of the play-offs against Switzerland at Barfüsser Square in Basel’s city centre. From there, a fan walk to the ‘Joggeli’ stadium will start as well. Jim Spratt, FSE Committee member and coordinator of the Northern Irish Fans’ Embassy, commented: “The work of the Fans’ Embassy is crucial for play-off games, when fans travel in big numbers and with only a few weeks to prepare their trip.”
The Welsh Fans’ Embassy will organize a fundraising party for the Welsh supporters charity Gôl! Cymru ahead of their friendly match against France in Paris on 10 November. From 4 pm to 7.30 pm Welsh supporters meet at Belushi’s at Paris Gare du Nord, 5 rue de Dunkerque and will afterwards head to the match directly by train.