There will be no Cardiff fan zone for Wales supporters to gather and cheer on the team this weekend as they look to secure a first World Cup appearance in 64 years.
Wales will play either Scotland or Ukraine at 5pm this Sunday at Cardiff City Stadium and are just 90 minutes away from potentially heading to the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
The fixture coincides with the Queen's Jubilee bank holiday weekend and as a result of a number of events - both jubilee and non-jubilee related - taking place in the Welsh capital this weekend, the decision has been taken not to stage a fan zone which fans will have been accustomed to during Euro 2016. Fan zones were not staged during Euro 2020 either due to Covid concerns.
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The Platinum Jubilee Concert is being staged at Cardiff Castle on Saturday while Gerry Cinnamon is playing a gig at the same venue on Sunday.
A Cardiff council spokesperson said: “Following discussions with city stakeholders including the police, the FAW and the City Stadium it was decided that as the city was already committed to facilitating several other events across the Jubilee weekend, including street parties, picnic in the park and concerts at the castle, unfortunately we were unable to open a fan zone this time around.
"We know, however, that many city businesses, following the enormous financial difficulties they faced throughout the pandemic will be looking forward to welcoming fans to watch the match and to enjoy the unique atmosphere that Cardiff’s bars and restaurants can offer on what promises to be an incredible day. We also want to take this opportunity to send the Wales team our full support as they look to qualify for the 2022 World Cup on Sunday.”
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Supporter information on the Football Association of Wales' website says: "Fans are advised not to travel to the Cardiff City Stadium without a ticket and there will be no fan activity outside the stadium. There is no public screening or fan zone showing the match within the City Centre and fans without tickets are advised watch at home or in the pubs."
Due to the enormity of the match, additional security perimeters will be introduced outside the stadium. Fans are advised to ensure they arrive early at the stadium as it may take longer than usual gaining access to the venue, while supporters are also being encouraged to be in their seats by 4:15pm ahead of the 5pm kick-off. The Red Wall will then come together for an unaccompanied rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau to set Rob Page's men up for a critical 90 minutes.
“The Football Association of Wales wants fans attending the FIFA World Cup Play-Off Final to have a good experience when visiting Cardiff City Stadium for the match", a spokesperson said.
"The FAW therefore advises fans to download their digital tickets before travelling to ease entry into the stadium.
“For the Play-Off Final, additional security permitters will be introduced outside the stadium. Fans should therefore ensure their early arrival at the stadium as it may take longer than usual gaining access to the venue.
"The unauthorised resale of tickets is a criminal offence. Measures will be taken against those who are found to have bought tickets and sold on. Those who have purchased tickets on the secondary market will be refused entry.
“Finally, fans without tickets are advised not to travel to Cardiff City Stadium or the city centre as there are no fan activities or public screenings of the match. Due to other events taking place in Cardiff, the city centre may be busier than normal.”
