UEFA Prohibits Pre-Match Training at Republic Stadium: 'Factinfo'

UEFA has prohibited pre-match training sessions for the 2026 World Cup qualifying rounds to take place at Yerevan's Republic Stadium. This was reported by 'Factinfo'. In response to a written inquiry from the media, the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) stated that 'there is a directive from UEFA to conduct the pre-match training at the FFA Technical Center/Academy.'

It should be noted that on August 3, a concert by global star Jennifer Lopez was held at the Republic Stadium, after which information emerged about the potential risk of disqualification for the stadium. The media sent a written request to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports (MoESCS) to clarify these reports and to determine the extent of any damage caused by the concert.

After the 5-day deadline, MoESCS refused to answer the questions, redirecting them to the FFA. 'Factinfo' has also sent another inquiry to the FFA to find out whether there is a real risk of disqualification for the Republic Stadium. If so, what organization or institution has raised such a threat, and is there an official written warning?

What impact has Jennifer Lopez's concert had on the stadium's technical and structural condition? Has an independent expert evaluation been conducted? How much time and what volume of work is required to restore the Republic Stadium, requesting a preliminary timeline and estimated budget for the restoration work?

Has any part of the financial income generated from the concert been allocated for damage compensation and restoration? If not, where has the profit been directed? The FFA has avoided answering these questions. In a delayed response, it only mentioned that there is a directive from UEFA to conduct pre-match training at the FFA Technical Center/Academy. They also forwarded a link to some report stating that the Armenia-Portugal and Armenia-Ireland matches will take place at the 'Republic Stadium.'

For more details, refer to the original source.