UEFA to decide on Moldova-Italy qualifier

Moldova are waiting for final approval from UEFA to stage tomorrow's World Cup qualifier against Italy in the capital.

UEFA have sent their inspection team to Chisinau's Republic Stadium to make sure the 15,000-seat arena meets the necessary international standards.

The European Group Five qualifier was originally scheduled to take place in Tiraspol, the capital of Moldova's breakaway Dnestr region.

But the central government decided to move the match to Chisinau last week after the latest row with the separatists, who closed several schools in the region after they refused to allow Romanian to be taught in Latin script. Most people in the region speak Russian.

Moldova's national team have not played in the capital for almost two years as its main ground was deemed unfit to host international matches.

The arena remains under construction with one of its stands completely closed. Toilet and media facilities are inadequate.

The pitch is also in poor shape and could become even worse as the U-21 teams will play there the night before.

The Moldovan Football Federation (MFF) have acknowledged the problems, but said they had no choice but to move the match to Chisinau.

"We're just waiting for UEFA's inspection team to give us the final word," said a MFF spokesman.

"Hopefully, they'll be satisfied and the game will go ahead."