The two national football associations stated their willingness
to play in 2016 European Championship qualifying matches, UEFA President Michel
Platini said on Friday following a UEFA Executive Committee meeting to
discuss the 2016 European Championships in Nyon, Switzerland.
"I'm very pleased to say that the Russians and Georgians
can play together if they are in the same group," Platini said at a news
conference after an executive committee meeting.
The agreement comes before the qualifying draw next month, and
Russia hosting the Sochi Winter Olympics near its border with Georgia.
"I'm not sure what political discussions took place between
their governments," Platini said. "We're only in touch with the
football associations."
UEFA has kept apart Russia and Georgia in all national team
competitions since the August 2008 conflict on the eve of the Beijing Olympics.
