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Limerick FC: FAI refuse to sanction Barcelona friendly

noelyf

noelyf

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Thursday, 13 May 2010


Limerick FC have confirmed they have provisionally agreed to play Barcelona in Thomand Park this summer, but the club claim that FAI and Airtricty League are refusing to sanction the match as it will clash with league matches.


The Jackman Park club have stated that the Catalan giant has guaranteed to include stars such as Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Xavi and Bojan for a friendly on 31 July.


But, according to Limerick, League Director Fran Gavin will not sanction the match because two League of Ireland fixtures take place that night, neither of which involve Limerick.



Limerick FC chairman Pat O'Sullivan believe it is 'imperative' that the decision is reversed.


'This is a massive setback for Limerick FC, Limerick City and the mid-west region.



'We along with Thomond Park and local tourism bodies have worked tirelessly to bring a team of the stature of FC Barcelona to the sports mad mid-west region.



'The potential benefit to the local economy of up to €10million and to the profile of soccer in the region is enormous.



'This makes it imperative that the Airtricity League Director reverse his decision, sanction this match and allow fans all over the region see the likes of Lionel Messi grace Thomond Park in July.'


Dundalk visit Sligo Rovers on the night in question, while Athlone Town host Waterford United.
Limerick are to play Shelbourne in Tolka Park on Friday, 30 July.
 
thats just madness :whacko: hopefully the league will see sense and allow this match to go ahead ,its hard enough for clubs in the league to keep their heads above water and this match would generate a lot of income for limerick f.c and also the local community
 
But, according to Limerick, League Director Fran Gavin will not sanction the match because two League of Ireland fixtures take place that night, neither of which involve Limerick.
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This is ridiculous. This decision will have to be reversed!
 
this is just typical of a ruling body that didn't see the problems with either Derry City or Cork City, a game like this would have kept either of these afloat, but Limerick aren't one of the big teams, so they have nothing to bargain with. I for one, wish them well in their fight with the FAI(fooking @rseholes Institute)
 
FAI hit back in Barcelona friendly row

Thursday, 13 May 2010


The FAI has stated that 'third-party commercial agreements' prevent them from authorising a friendly match between Limerick FC and Barcelona in Thomand Park on 31 July.


The League's governing body also claims it is obliged to keep the date free for Airtricity League fixtures, with two matches down for decision on the night, neither of which involve Limerick.


The FAI has also told the Blues that it is in active and ongoing negotiations with Barcelona in relation to a visit to the Aviva Stadium.



Earlier this evening, Limerick hit out at League Director Fran Gavin for refusing to give the match the go-ahead.


The Jackman Park club has stated that the Catalan giant has guaranteed to include stars such as Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Xavi and Bojan for the friendly.


Limerick FC chairman Pat O'Sullivan believes it is 'imperative' that the decision is reversed.


'This is a massive setback for Limerick FC, Limerick City and the mid-west region.


'We along with Thomond Park and local tourism bodies have worked tirelessly to bring a team of the stature of FC Barcelona to the sports mad mid-west region.

'The potential benefit to the local economy of up to €10million and to the profile of soccer in the region is enormous.


'This makes it imperative that the Airtricity League Director reverse his decision, sanction this match and allow fans all over the region see the likes of Lionel Messi grace Thomond Park in July.'


Dundalk visit Sligo Rovers on the night in question, while Athlone Town host Waterford United.
 
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