Derry City denied Windsor Park for Conference League home clash against Tobol - game will be played at Tallaght Stadium

UEFA have turned down Derry City's request to stage the home leg of their Europa Conference League qualifier against Tobol of Kazakhstan at Windsor Park, with the game now set to take place at Tallaght Stadium.

Ruaidhrí Higgins' side travel to Kazahkstan for the first leg this Thursday after their fine second round play-off win over KuPS of Finland.

With the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium not meeting requirements for the second leg on 17 August, the match was originally switched to Tallaght, ensuring a long trip to Dublin for Candystripes fans.

On Monday it was reported that Derry City had requested the use of Windsor Park, home stadium of Northern Ireland and Irish League side Linfield, from the FAI.

Hoever, UEFA stipulate that the venue announced at the beginning of the competition is considered as the 'home venue' of the respective club.

A statement from the governing body confirming Tallaght Stadium as the venue for the second leg read: "A venue may be the ground of the home club or another ground in the same or another city within the territory of its association.

"Therefore, Derry City FC will have to play in Tallaght as originally announced for the UECL 3rd qualifying round home fixture on the 17 August 2023."