What the FAI thinks of progressive clubs:

**Lim till i die** · 13/05/2010, 6:48 PM

Originally Posted by Limerick FC Press Release

Limerick FC would like to confirm that they have been in on-going negotiations with FC Barcelona with a view to hosting them in a friendly match at Thomond Park in July of this year. The club confirms that agreement has been reached between Limerick FC and FC Barcelona that the match would take place on July 31st subject to official sanctioning by the Football Association of Ireland. The agreement guarantees that the FC Barcelona team to play Limerick will include marquee stars such as Lionel Messi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Xavi, Bojan & all new marquee signings

However, Limerick FC has been informed that the Airtricity League Director has refused to sanction the game. The failure of the FAI & 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.

Pat O’Sullivan, Chairman, Limerick FC said, “This is a massive setback for Limerick FC, Limerick City and the Mid-West region. We along with Thomond Park & 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.”

Mind Boggling........

**Dodge** · 13/05/2010, 6:54 PM

wow...

**RonnieB** · 13/05/2010, 6:54 PM

It would be mind boggling if it were not for the fact the FAI are involved then it sadly seems normal

**Martinho II** · 13/05/2010, 6:55 PM

whats theFAI'sproblem with this? they had no objections when Derry City played Barcelona years ago..

**Ciprian Marica** · 13/05/2010, 6:57 PM

Somehow I imagine this will run for a while, not positive PR for the FAI...yet again.

**SkStu** · 13/05/2010, 7:18 PM

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/0513/limerick.html

absolute morons. Gavin needs to take his head out of his arse.

**Youths4Ever** · 13/05/2010, 7:18 PM

mind boggles would have been a great fund raiser and a great night. what a stupid reason then gave as well

**SkStu** · 13/05/2010, 7:19 PM

Originally Posted by Youths4Ever

mind boggles would have been a great fund raiser and a great night. did the FAI give a reason for not allowing the game to go ahead?

2 other league games on that night (not involving Limerick)

**bullit** · 13/05/2010, 7:19 PM

yee holy gods!!!
another crazy move,i hope Limerick go to the courts on this. JESUS WEPT

**Infadel** · 13/05/2010, 7:20 PM

Complete kick in the balls for Limerick because the hypocrits in the FAI knew they wouldn't make a cent out of that tie if it went ahead. I'm gutted to hear this happening to Limerick it would have been a nice earner for them

**Mr A** · 13/05/2010, 7:20 PM

Sounds crazy, but we've only heard one side of the story.

**Lim till i die** · 13/05/2010, 7:34 PM

Originally Posted by SkStu

2 other league games on that night (not involving Limerick)

Just checked there.

The two First Division Clubs who are at home that night......................

*drumroll*

Salthill Devon and Athlone Town.

**Dodge** · 13/05/2010, 7:37 PM

Originally Posted by Mr A

Sounds crazy, but we've only heard one side of the story.

We've heard the League's reasoning too

**Réiteoir** · 13/05/2010, 7:41 PM

a). Game doesn't involve Man Utd in some way
b). Game not on same night as Champions League game
c). Game not staged to open a white elephant of a building

GAME OFF

**bluepowers** · 13/05/2010, 7:44 PM

how do they expect clubs to run when we cant have a HUGE money game all i can say is

**Jicked** · 13/05/2010, 7:44 PM

Obviously this is punishment for Barca beating John Delaney's beloved Man Yoo in the Champions League final last year.

**Réiteoir** · 13/05/2010, 7:48 PM

Originally Posted by Jicked

Obviously this is punishment for Barca beating John Delaney's beloved Man Yoo in the Champions League final last year.

And anything to get back at Thierry Henry as well - evil FAI - depriving him of the chance of playing on the biggest stage of all down in Limerick

**Candystripe** · 13/05/2010, 7:53 PM

I'm guessing this is a wind up!

Even the F.A.I. wouldn't stoop this low.

**holidaysong** · 13/05/2010, 8:04 PM

Surely this precedent can be used to have the LOI XI vs. Manchester United called off when Bohemians get into the Third Qualifying round of the Champions League?