Murattis not written off yet – semi delayed
GUERNSEY Muratti boss Chris Tardif said there was no point in continuing training until such time a firm date is set for the 2020 Close Finance Muratti – if there is one.
The CI Inter-Insular Football Committee still harbour hopes that there will be, yesterday confirming the expected postponement of the Muratti Vase Semi-Final and the Under 16 Nigel Gavey match scheduled for the next two weekends, but still continuing plans for a mid-May Muratti final.
Jersey FA chief executive Jean-Luc Desbois said his association still looks forward to hosting the eventual winners of the Alderney-Guernsey game, once it has been rescheduled, and tickets for the final at Springfield will remain on sale for Jersey supporters.
‘If Coronavirus necessitates a change in scheduling, then all tickets will be valid for the revised date or a refund will be available. We continue to plan for mid-May and at this stage, the Under 21 Ambassadeur Bowl is still planned for 26 April in Guernsey.’
The Inter-Insular Committee emphasises that, at this time, these matches are being postponed and not cancelled. Alderney FA Chairman Reg Atkins said it was particularly disappointing to postpone when the island were looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Ridunians’ one and only ever Muratti victory.
‘We have taken the advice of our Island Medical Advisor and heeded our respective government directives in only undertaking essential travel into and out of the islands.
‘Sports travel is not essential activity and therefore will cease immediately. We look forward to reaching a better outlook on COVID-19 and rescheduling the semi-final.’
Tardif said he would reconsider resuming Island training if and when he gets a match date to work towards.
‘I will follow the GFA advice, but it is pointless us training for the next four months when is not for another eight months.
‘It is disappointing because training has gone so well.’
