The Group Eight match was originally scheduled to take place in the Serbian capital on October 10 but was postponed because of the threat of NATO bombardments of key military installations.

Now UEFA believe that the political situation in Kosovo has eased, allowing the fixture to take place.

"It is a great relief that we now know where we are going," said Football Association of Ireland chief executive Bernard O'Byrne.

"I am happy that the final decision has been made by UEFA because we can now go ahead with our travel plans."

Republic boss Mick McCarthy admitted he always had a feeling that the match would be staged in Belgrade but had to wait until the decision from UEFA.

McCarthy will name his squad early next week and will check on the fitness of Keith O'Neill (Norwich), Phil Babb (Liverpool), Denis Irwin (Manchester United) and Robbie Keane (Wolves), who have all been ruled out of club football recently because of injuries.