Georgia blackout investigation
Monday, October 14, 2002
Article summary
UEFA is to examine the floodlight failure in Saturday's EURO 2004™ match between Georgia and Russia.
Article body
UEFA is to launch its own inquiry into the events surrounding the abandonment of Saturday’s EURO 2004™ qualifying match between Georgia and Russia. The game in Tbilisi's Lokomotivi stadium was halted at half-time due to a floodlight failure with the score goalless.
Reasons to be examined
European football’s governing body said that it would be examining the reasons for the floodlight failure, and would also be ascertaining why it was decided not to replay the game on Sunday, in accordance with the competition regulations.
Sabotage claim
On Sunday, the Georgian interior minister Koba Narchemashvili said the investigation into the power failure would consider the possibility of sabotage. Security measures were tightened for yesterday's rugby international between Russia and Georgia in the city's National stadium.
Second power failure
The floodlights first stopped five minutes before half-time, but came back on and the first half was completed. However, no sooner had the players left the pitch then there was a second power failure, which was later blamed on faulty electrical circuits.
