The Football Association of Wales confirms the arrest of 32 supporters in Yerevan, with the Foreign Office involved in the situation.
More than 30 Wales football fans have been arrested in Armenia before the European Championship qualifier against Armenia in Yerevan. The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has confirmed the arrests and stated that the Foreign Office is involved in the matter. With 1,200 Wales fans present in Yerevan, tensions are high as the team hopes to secure a victory that could potentially lead them to qualify for Euro 2024.
Arrests in Yerevan:
The FAW released a statement acknowledging the situation and the arrests of their fans in Yerevan. The FAW is in regular communication with the travelling police and the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) Cymru. FSA Cymru, acting as the fan embassy, is in contact with local authorities and South Wales police to liaise with local law enforcement. The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office is also involved, providing support to the families of the arrested fans and maintaining contact with local authorities.
Presence of Wales Fans in Yerevan:
Approximately 1,200 Wales fans have made the 2,300-mile journey to Yerevan to support their national team. This European Championship qualifier is taking place in one of European football’s distant outposts, adding to the significance of the event for both the players and the fans. The presence of a large number of fans in a foreign country can sometimes lead to tensions and incidents, as seen in this case.
Warnings and Precautions:
FSA Cymru’s Fan Embassy Wales Twitter account, known as X account, issued a warning to fellow fans before the game. They cautioned about ticket touts in the streets leading to the stadium and advised fans to be wary of them. The police have also stated that fans will not be allowed in the wrong ends of the stadium, indicating the importance of adhering to the rules and regulations set by the local authorities.
Euro 2024 Qualification:
The Wales national team’s focus remains on the European Championship qualifier against Armenia. A victory in this match, coupled with a loss for Croatia against Latvia, would secure Wales’ qualification for Euro 2024. The stakes are high for the team and their fans, adding to the intensity and significance of the game.
Conclusion:
The arrest of over 30 Wales football fans in Armenia before the European Championship qualifier has raised concerns and highlighted the potential challenges that can arise when a large number of fans gather in a foreign country. The Football Association of Wales, FSA Cymru, and the Foreign Office are actively involved in managing the situation and providing support to the arrested fans and their families. As the game approaches, the focus remains on the crucial qualifier and the possibility of Wales qualifying for Euro 2024.
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