Limerick FC has confirmed that the proposed friendly with Spanish giants Barcelona will not go ahead.
The club has issued a statement to the media stating that the Thomond Park friendly, which was penciled in for 31 July, has not got the go-ahead from Barcelona officials due to the decision from the FAI and the Airtricity League Director not to sanction the match.
“It is with regret that Limerick FC wish to confirm that FC Barcelona have confirmed in writing to the club this evening, Tuesday May 18th, that they are no longer in the position to keep open the agreed date of July 31st for the proposed friendly match in Thomond Park.
“Therefore the proposed friendly match between both clubs will not now go ahead despite the fact that a heads of agreement had been reached between both parties.
“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 & the FAI not to sanction the proposed match.
‘The initial decision of Airtricity League Director & 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.
“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.â€
