The FAI said today that they have received confirmation from FIFA that the Republic of Ireland's World Cup playoff against Asian opposition will be played over two legs, with the first leg in Dublin.
There had been speculation that the play-off could be changed to a single match at a neutral venue following concerns over security posed by the U.S. military campaign against Afghanistan.
Ireland will meet the winners of a playoff between the runners-up in the two groups in the Asian zone qaulifiers.
Potential opponents include Iran and Uzbekistan, which both have borders with Afghanistan, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The first leg of the playoff will take place in Dublin on November 10th, but FIFA left open the option of the return leg being staged in a third country.
"At this stage it is impossible to determine the location of the second leg with certainty, as this will depend on the identity of our opponent and the security situation of our opponent," said a FAI statement.
"However, once the two countries in the Asian playoff are known (October 19th), FIFA will assess the security situation and contingency plans will be developed, if necessary."
The FIA statement came after an Irish delegation had talks with FIFA general secretary Michel Zen-Ruffinen in Prague, where the European governing body UEFA is currently meeting.