Latest Limerick FC statement
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Limerick FC have confirmed that their proposed friendly with Barcelona is now completely dead in the water.
In yet another strongly-worded statement, the Blues have claimed "the only reason that this match is not going ahead is the decision of the Airtricity League Director (Fran Gavin) and the FAI not to sanction the proposed match."
Astonishingly, Limerick also say that Barcelona asked the FAI directly for the friendly to go ahead, though that request was then denied.
The statement continued:
“The initial decision of Airtricity League Director and the FAI was not changed despite an email request by FC Barcelona to FAI officials on the night of Monday 17th May that confirmed their desire to go ahead with the match with Limerick FC and stated their disagreement with the decision not to sanction the game.
“Limerick FC would also like to thank FC Barcelona for the professional nature in which all negotiations were carried out and their support for Limerick FC's attempts to get the necessary sanction from the FAI. Limerick FC would also like to thank its fans, its fellow Airtricity League Clubs and all the public who supported its call for sanctioning of the game.”
It had been reported that the friendly would give the mid-west a financial boost of up to €10m, and the statement continued by further re-iterating the fact the Limerick will lose out dramatically in terms of financial benefits.
“It is extremely disappointing that Limerick FC and FC Barcelona will now not meet in Thomond Park as a result of the decision by the Airtricity League Director and the FAI not to sanction the game. The loss to the region, both economically and in terms of improving the profile of soccer in the region, is enormous.
“Limerick will continue to appeal the decision of the Airtricity League Director as a matter of principle as there is a need to fully clarify the position all Airtricity League Clubs now find themselves in with regard to the sanctioning of friendly games of this nature.”
The FAI have yet to comment further on the matter, while FC Barcelona, who will now tour Asia in early August, have also remained tight-lipped throughout the saga.
In yet another strongly-worded statement, the Blues have claimed "the only reason that this match is not going ahead is the decision of the Airtricity League Director (Fran Gavin) and the FAI not to sanction the proposed match."
Astonishingly, Limerick also say that Barcelona asked the FAI directly for the friendly to go ahead, though that request was then denied.
The statement continued:
“The initial decision of Airtricity League Director and the FAI was not changed despite an email request by FC Barcelona to FAI officials on the night of Monday 17th May that confirmed their desire to go ahead with the match with Limerick FC and stated their disagreement with the decision not to sanction the game.
“Limerick FC would also like to thank FC Barcelona for the professional nature in which all negotiations were carried out and their support for Limerick FC's attempts to get the necessary sanction from the FAI. Limerick FC would also like to thank its fans, its fellow Airtricity League Clubs and all the public who supported its call for sanctioning of the game.”
It had been reported that the friendly would give the mid-west a financial boost of up to €10m, and the statement continued by further re-iterating the fact the Limerick will lose out dramatically in terms of financial benefits.
“It is extremely disappointing that Limerick FC and FC Barcelona will now not meet in Thomond Park as a result of the decision by the Airtricity League Director and the FAI not to sanction the game. The loss to the region, both economically and in terms of improving the profile of soccer in the region, is enormous.
“Limerick will continue to appeal the decision of the Airtricity League Director as a matter of principle as there is a need to fully clarify the position all Airtricity League Clubs now find themselves in with regard to the sanctioning of friendly games of this nature.”
The FAI have yet to comment further on the matter, while FC Barcelona, who will now tour Asia in early August, have also remained tight-lipped throughout the saga.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile