Wales’ Nations League clash moved at 13 days’ notice with stadium unfit for purpose and huge patches of grass missing

WALES' clash with Montenegro has been moved due to the stadium being unfit for purpose.

The Nations League fixture was scheduled to take place at the Gradski Stadium three days after Wales face Turkey in Cardiff.

However, Craig Bellamy's side will now play at the 5,000-capacity City Stadium, which is home to FK Sutjeska and regularly hosts Montenegro’s U21 matches.

The original venue in Podgorica has been deemed unplayable due to concerns over the playing surface.

A Football Association of Wales statement read: “Following concerns over the quality of the playing surface at the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica, Uefa has confirmed that the Nations League match between Montenegro and Cymru on 9 September will be moved to Nikšić.

“The FAW acknowledges the inconvenience that this announcement will have on Cymru’s travelling fans, who have already planned for Podgorica.

“Therefore, the FAW is currently in discussions with UEFA and the Football Association of Montenegro to limit the disruption caused by this late announcement to the Cymru national team and The Red Wall.

“The FAW will provide an update when further information is confirmed.”

The pitch was visited by Uefa officials on the weekend in order to be examined.

They found that it was dry and cratered in spots with large patches of grass missing.

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The switch will affect the 700 travelling Wales fans who had booked accommodation in Podgorica, who will now have to make appropriate arrangements.

Bellamy was appointed as the Wales boss in July after leaving Burnley.

The Nations League fixtures will be his first as the national team coach.

The former Premier League striker has been set the target of qualifying for the World Cup in 2026.

Football Association of Wales chief executive Noel Mooney said: “We want to qualify for the World Cup in America, Canada and Mexico, and we felt that Craig was the right choice there.

“It’s a really exciting appointment. We do see the Nations League as a chance for Craig to input his ideas, mindful of the fact that we would like to get some results in this Nations League as well, of course.

“However, ultimately, here it’s about tournament qualification. That’s what it’s about.

“We want to be in America, Canada, Mexico in 2026 and when we host the Euros here in 2028, we want to have a brilliant side that goes out there and represents Wales really well.

“It’s fine to get to a tournament but, once you get to the tournament, it’s how you present yourself at these tournaments and how you deliver at these tournaments."