Newcastle could have to play their UEFA Cup tie against Valerenga on an indoor pitch because the Norwegians believe they would be "digging their own grave" if they moved the game out of Oslo.
Valerenga have confirmed they want to play the home leg of the third-round tie on home turf in the Norwegian capital, but are expecting protests from their opponents over their choice of reserve ground.
Concerns about the possibility of heavy snow and freezing temperatures in February led the club to consider a change of venue and country for the home leg of their encounter.
Newcastle are hopeful the game will be switched to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, a short distance from St James' Park, or to a venue in Denmark.
However, the Norwegians have informed UEFA they wish to play at their Ullevaal stadium and, in accordance with UEFA`s wishes, have also nominated a reserve arena, the 5,000 capacity Vallhall, which is indoors and has an artificial pitch.
Valerenga director Kjetil Siem said: "We`ve talked it through with all the management, and the supporters club, and decided that it's almost like digging our own grave if we move the game away from our home town."
A UEFA spokeswoman confirmed they had received the club`s proposals.
PA