Moldova's UEFA EURO 2004™ Group 3 qualifier against the Netherlands will go ahead as planned in Tiraspol on 2 April.

Domestic tensions
The Moldovan government had suggested moving next week's match to the capital Chisinau because of tensions between the authorities and separatists. Tiraspol is the capital of Moldova's breakaway Transnistru region and the separatist government has repeatedly refused Moldovan president Vladimir Voronin permission to attend the game.

Voronin insistent
The Moldovan central government subsequently asked the country's football authorities to move the game to Chisinau but Voronin insisted yesterday the match should still be played in Tiraspol.

'No question of moving the match'
"The match must be played in Tiraspol, there must be no question about moving the match," the president said in a statement. "We cannot jeopardise such an important international event. As far as I am concerned, I will visit the stadium in Tiraspol very soon, not only as an ordinary fan but also as president of a united country."

New stadium
It will be Moldova's first game outside the capital since the country's independence following the break-up of the Soviet Union at the end of 1991. The brand new Sheriff stadium, home of national champions FC Sheriff Tiraspol, will be the venue.

Moldova pointless
The Netherlands lead Group 3 on goal difference ahead of the Czech Republic and Austria after winning their opening two games. Moldova are still seeking their first points after defeats by Austria and the Czechs.