Uncertainty if NI v Belarus can take place in Belfast

There is uncertainty over whether Northern Ireland's Nations League match at home to Belarus in November will take place at Windsor Park.

A decision has yet to be taken whether Belarus players and staff will be granted visas to play in the match by the UK government.

Belarus was included in the UK's sanctions against Russia, as the country has allowed its territory to be used by Russia's army to launch attacks into northern Ukraine.

Saturday's away fixture was played behind closed doors in Zalaegerszeg in western Hungary, because of European governing body Uefa's restrictions on Belarus.

"It is longstanding government policy that we do not routinely comment on individual cases," the Home Office said on Monday.

"We are unable to confirm if all members of the Belarus national football team will be denied entry to the UK without details on each individual."

While Uefa's restrictions would not impact the return fixture, a venue in Europe would have to be secured if permission is not granted by the UK government for the game to take place in Belfast.

The ZTE Arena, where Saturday's goalless draw took place, is one option if the match is moved.

A spoksesperson for the Irish Football Association said it is "in contact with appropriate Uefa and government officials on this matter."

It is believed Northern Ireland supporters would be allowed to attend the game if it is moved from Belfast.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill said he was hopeful that there could be a resolution as the decision "is not in our hands".

O'Neill told BBC Sport NI before Tuesday's game at home to Bulgaria: "There are difficulties with the home game in November against Belarus.

"We're waiting for a decision on that, so this could be our last home game before March."

O'Neill felt Saturday's game in an empty stadium in Hungary had an "unreal" feel about it.

He added: "We'll fulfil the game, it's just whether we can play here in Belfast or not. The decision is not in our hands.

"Your home form is everything, and it's important to build that relationship between the supporters and team as well.

"You never want to play in a game like we did on Saturday with an empty stadium."

A statement from the Amalgamation of Official Northern Ireland Supporters Clubs said: "We're aware of reports regarding this issue and would obviously hope that the game can go ahead in Belfast as scheduled".