Northern Ireland cancels training in Croatia due to pitch quality


Northern Ireland objected to a consultation with coaches on Saturday because they were dissatisfied with the facilities provided by the Croatian Football Association.

It came after a 1-1 draw with Croatia on Friday in the first leg of the Women’s Euro 2025 qualifying play-off.

Tanya Oxtoby’s team will return to training in Croatia before flying to prepare for the return match in Belfast on Tuesday (19:00 GMT).

There has yet to be a proper criticism of UEFA through Northern Ireland.

Both the Croatian Federation and UEFA were contacted for a response.

In his post-match press conference on Friday, Oxtoby mentioned that his hosts demonstrated a lack of “professional courtesy.”

“I’m very proud of the playing group because I think this week has been very difficult in terms of professional courtesy,” she told BBC Game NI.

“I’m glad we’re even again in the second leg, I’m really looking forward to playing at Windsor Park where we can put in some effort in the game.”

Staff resources described these days as “logistically difficult” and said that the fields equipped for training were insufficient.

BBC Game was also instructed that the lights were no longer on during the start of the team’s training consultation on Thursday, the night before the first leg.



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