Finland will stage its Nations League tie against Belarus on neutral ground following government advisories. The match remains scheduled for 29 September, with the venue to be decided.
The Football Association of Finland has decided to move the Nations League match against Belarus to neutral territory. The game is scheduled for September 29, but the venue will be determined later.
“The Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not recommend holding the match in Finland. Although this is not a ban, we believe it is important to adhere to Finland’s foreign policy line. We are now starting preparations to organize the match on neutral territory. We also stated that events in world politics in recent years and months are developing rapidly and unpredictably. If there are any significant changes in this matter, we are ready to respond quickly,” said the head of the Finnish Football Association Ari Lahti.
– Ari Lahti
Context and consequences of the relocation
Relocating the venue forces the national team to look for a new venue abroad to host the Belarus match. Finland is already considering options in other countries and plans to organize the match on neutral territory that complies with political requirements and tournament regulations.
In world politics, Finland had previously participated in a démarche regarding the opening of the 2026 Paralympic Games in Italy due to the permitted participation of Belarusian and Russian athletes under their flags.
The Belarus national football team is not excluded from international competitions; however, home matches are forbidden in Belarus. Therefore, the team usually plays abroad, notably in Hungary.