Belarus versus Belgium to be played in Russia

Belgium, who are top of group E in 2022 World Cup qualifying with 13 points after five matches, face Belarus this Wednesday at a neutral venue. The game will be held in Russia due to European sanctions against the Belarusian regime. 

The match will be played at the Central stadium in Kazan, where Wales beaten the Belarusians 2-3 last Sunday. Gareth Bale got a hat-trick in that one.

At that time, Wales coach Rob Page criticised UEFA's decision to move Belarus' home games to Russia. 

UEFA justified their decision because of the travel sanctions imposed on Belarus after the forced landing of a Ryanair plane by Belarus last May. That caused a diplomatic conflict between Belarus and the EU. 

Belarusian clubs have had to play all of their matches abroad such as in Armenia, Poland and Serbia with the exception of one game which was versus a Georgian club. Belarus have got three points from four matches and they are fourth in group E ahead of Estonia who have yet to get off the mark.