The Taoiseach Mr Ahern said today he accepted the decision to hold the homecoming party for the Irish team in the Phoenix Park, Dublin tomorrow.
Mr Ahern said that while a city centre venue would create a better atmosphere, he accepted the Phoenix Park move which was made on safety grounds.
The Taoiseach made his comments as controversy continued to brew over the venue, chosen by the organisers, Duchas.
"A number of options were looked at," said a spokeswoman for Duchas, "and on the advice of gardaí and the city manager, the only safe option considered was the Phoenix Park."
But Fine Gael's spokesman on sport, Mr Jimmy Deenihan, believes the event should take place at College Green.
"The Phoenix Park didn't work out as a welcome home venue after USA 94," said Mr Deenihan. "A city centre event would create a much better atmosphere and allow supporters to see their heroes close up."
"We have been advised that the best way to ensure sufficient space and facitilites for fans is to use the Phoenix Park," said Mr John O'Donoghue, the Minister for Arts, Tourism and Sports.
In one of Ireland's most memorable sporting moments, fans gathered at College Green in their thousands to meet their heroes after Italia 90.
However, on this occasion the Minister feels that this option is too dangerous. "When the team returned form Italia 90 and were greeted on the streets of Dublin the images looked great for television," he said. "However, most involved, including the FAI, agreed that it was a dangerous operation in terms of the personal safety of supporters."
Mr O'Donoghue added, "Personally I would prefer an open-decked bus, but we have to go along with what the security people say."
Mr John Byrne, a spokesman for the FAI stated: "In an ideal world College Green would be our preferred venue but we have to play the hand we're dealt and just get on with it."
The team will fly in to Dublin airport from South Korea in a jumbo jet chartered by the Football Association of Ireland from the Dutch airline KLM.
They will then be transferred to Phoenix Park by helicopter to appear on stage after the crowd has been warmed up by a number of pop groups and other performers.
And police spokesman Superintendent Mr John Farrelly said: "The decision to have the party in Phoenix Park was taken after consultations with all the relevant authorities. We cannot take the risk that somebody might be injured.
"We simply have not got the capabilities to deal with the numbers that would turn out to greet the team."
Tonight Mr Ahern faced pressure to order time off for all workers tomorrow to permit them to get to the celebrations in time.
Mr Alan Hunter, of the Irish Football Supporters Association, said: "We want the Taoiseach to give everyone the afternoon off so the whole nation can greet our heroes."
The Phoenix Park will be closed to all traffic from noon tomorrow until 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Gates open at 4 p.m. for the event which begins two hours later. Alcohol is not permitted and will be confiscated by gardai.
Dublin Bus will be operating shuttle buses from George's Quay to the Phoenix Monument. Tickets will cost €1.00 each way for adults and €0.50 each way for children. Mobile ticket offices will have tickets available at both Georges Quay and Phoenix Monument.