FAI refuse to sanction friendly with FC Barcelona

LIMERICK FC were left reeling this Thursday afternoon with the news that the Football Association of Ireland has refused to sanction a high-profile friendly against Spanish giants FC Barcelona at Thomond Park.


As previously reported by Leader Sport Limerick FC have confirmed that they were engaged in on-going negotiations with FC Barcelona with a view to hosting a friendly against the 2009 European champions at Thomond Park this coming July.
The Airtricity League club, led by CEO Pat O'Sullivan, were thrilled when they reached an agreement with FC Barcelona to schedule the match for Saturday, July 31 - that contractual agreement guaranteed that the FC Barcelona team to play the Super Blues would include marquee stars such as Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Xavi and all new marquee signings.
The proposed fixture was subject to sanctioning by the Football Association of Ireland. Unfortunately, Limerick FC have now been informed by the FAI that the Airtricity League Director has refused to sanction the game. Sadly, the failure of the FAI and the 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.
“This is a massive setback for Limerick FC, Limerick city and the mid-west region,” Pat O’Sullivan, the Limerick FC chairman, said reacting to this devastating news.
“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 €10 million 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.”
As previously reported by Leader Sport a UK-based sports agent visited Limerick last week with the stated intention of bringing FC Barcelona to the mid-west. The agent in question attended Limerick FC's Airtricity League First Division game against Shelbourne while he also inspected the facilities at the Gaelic Grounds. The continued existence of the GAA's Rule 42, which prohibits sports other than Gaelic Games being played at the Ennis Road venue, essentially pointed to Thomond Park as being the only Limerick venue capable of hosting such a unique event.
Leader Sport is currently awaiting a response to the story from the Football Association of Ireland.

Brian McDonnell