Wales set to play it again at Cardiff City Stadium

CHRIS COLEMAN’S Wales stars will definitely play their first three home World Cup qualifiers at their favoured Cardiff City Stadium home.

The ground has been inked in on the FAW’s official website as the venue for the autumn fixtures against Moldova, Georgia and Serbia.

It means the FA of Wales are resisting the temptation to cash in on Wales’ Euro 2016 success by taking games at this stage to the bigger 74,000-seater Principality Stadium.

However, they seem to be keeping their options open further down the line with the home of the Bluebirds yet to be officially confirmed on the website for the Cardiff matches with Austria and the Republic of Ireland next year.

FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford stated immediately after the Euros that Wales had to consider other options in order to “satisfy public demand” to watch the team that rampaged to the semi-finals out in France.

However, manager Coleman made it clear he wanted to remain at Cardiff City Stadium, arguing the partisan atmosphere created by the fans was a significant factor in Wales’ qualifying success.

There are also other issues at play.

Wales’ first qualifier with Moldova on September 5 comes just two days after a Monster Jam trucking event at the Principality Stadium, so it seems inconceivable the pitch could be ready.

Their November 12 World Cup date with Serbia clashes directly with Warren Gatland’s rugby men facing Argentina at the Principality Stadium.

In between, Wales host Georgia on October 9 when the Principality Stadium is available, but the FAW have also inked Ain that one for the home of the Bluebirds.

The FAW host the 2017 Champions League final at the Principality Stadium and are keen to stage an international football match there before the biggest club game on earth takes place.