Limerick fury as FAI block Barca game

LIMERICK FC are furious that plans to host a glamour friendly against La Liga giants Barcelona at Thomond Park have been scuppered by the FAI as it emerged that the Association has itself been in negotiation with the Catatlans to bring them to the new Aviva Stadium.

The First Division club says that, after lengthy negotiations with last year’s European champions, apparently brokered by a UK-based agent, agreement had been reached that a game would take place on July 31st at Thomond Park, subject to the necessary official sanctioning by the Football Association of Ireland. Under the terms of the agreement, Limerick also say that Barcelona had guaranteed appearances in the game by the side’s marquee names, including world player of the year Lionel Messi.

However, Limerick were yesterday informed by Airtricity League Director Fran Gavin that the match could not go ahead. Responding in a statement, the club said: “The failure of the FAI and Airtricity League Director to sanction this game ensures that fans throughout the Mid West region and beyond will not have the opportunity to see the world’s greatest stars in action.”