Matt Holland and Ireland face having their first European Championships qualifier in Russia delayed due to forest and peat bog fires in the Moscow region.

Due to the resulting smog it has been impossible for flights to land at the Sheremetyevo international airport while the Domodedovo airport has also spent time closed.

Reports in Russia say there has been a major increase in carbon monoxide levels and respiratory ailments, and a state of emergency has been declared in 22 districts around Moscow.

However, Russian Football Union Secretary-General Vladimir Radionov is hopeful that the Irish side can land in time so the match can go ahead as planned: "We all hope that the smog will not prevent the teams from playing on Saturday."

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