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 31st July 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 of 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."

http://limerickfc.ie/home/news/100513barcelona.html



Fuckin disgraceful from the FAI, just because they want Barca to play in the new Lansdowne so they can make some money out of it

Clubs should get together and screw the FAI when it comes to the Man Utd friendly by just simply not letting their players turn up on the night.

Is there no way this game could go ahead without the FAI's wishes?

Why do they have a say in it anyway? I thought friendly matches were completely down to the clubs involved

First is that it is down for the same day as a league game and competing with other league fixtures, if it was arranged for a different day I don't see how it could of been refused

Thats just their excuse though, they'd have no problem with Barca playing someone on that same night if they where the ones organising it.They have no problems playing International friendlies clashing with league games.