Limerick’s Barcelona dream finally ends
A Limerick statement expressed regret at the failure to arrange the proposed friendly despite reaching what they described as “heads of agreement between both parties”.
It was claimed that Barcelona contacted the FAI seeking clarification about their decision not to sanction the game, with the Catalans anxious to arrange alternative pre-season plans – possibly involving a training camp and game in Sweden – if they were not successful in arranging a trip to Ireland.
“Limerick FC have been informed by FC Barcelona that the only reason that this match is not going ahead is the decision of the Airtricity League Director and the FAI not to sanction the proposed match,” according to the statement.
“The initial decision was not changed despite an email request by FC Barcelona to FAI officials on Monday that confirmed their desire to go ahead with the match and stated their disagreement with the decision not to sanction the game.
“Due to FC Barcelona’s need to finalise their pre season plans for the upcoming season, they are now left with no choice but to seek an alternative friendly match for the date in question. Limerick FC respect FC Barcelona’s need to do this and hope they find a suitable alternative fixture.
“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.
“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.”
Earlier yesterday, the Airtricity First Division club lodged an official appeal with the FAI over the decision to block the glamour friendly and last night, this remained the intention “as a matter of principle”.
“There is a need to fully clarify the position all Airtricity League clubs now find themselves in with regards to the receiving of sanction for friendly games of this nature.”
Meanwhile, the clubs who expressed support for Limerick at a meeting in Dublin on Monday have strongly indicated that the row will not threaten the continuance of their Airtricity League merger with the FAI, which they have called “an overwhelming success”.
A statement issued on behalf of the clubs said: “The outcome of the meeting was that a postal vote would be undertaken to confirm the clubs’ intention to continue with the merger.
“As the meeting was breaking up, a representative of Limerick FC addressed the meeting and detailed their current difficulties concerning their proposed friendly with FC Barcelona. On listening to Limerick FC’s viewpoint, the meeting agreed to contact the FAI seeking clarification on matters that may preclude a friendly match being sanctioned. At no stage was a formal vote of the clubs undertaken.”
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