FAI and Swedish FA at loggerheads over roof decision

The mind games have begun in earnest ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifier in Stockholm on Friday night with the FAI insisting they want the roof open.

By Declan Whooley

Giovanni Trapattoni has said his preference is to play with the roof open on Friday night at the Friends Arena as a closed roof will give the home side the added advantage of more boisterous support.

The Swedes have argued that with temperatures expected to dip as low as -8, a closed roof would be of benefit to both the game and supporters within the stadium.

“When it is closed, it has an echo, which is no good,” he said. “It is too loud. I was in Germany with this situation before, and it was bad for us because of the crowd.”

The final decision will be made by a FIFA delegate, with both governing bodies expected to make their cases beforehand.

Trap also dismissed the notion that the roof open would expose the supporters to the freezing conditions, on what could be a difficult night regardless of the weather.

“It would not be cold. The pitch is what's important. It's for the spectators that it will be cold,” he added.

Glenn Whelan, James McCarthy, John O'Shea and Jon Walters sat out training yesterday, but the Stoke duo are expected to be fit and ready for Friday, with McCarthy and O’Shea to be monitored over the coming days.