This year's Channel Islands Muratti fixtures have been cancelled.
The decision has been taken jointly by the Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney FAs, because of the ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions between the two Bailiwicks.
The final is usually played in May, and the uncertainly over isolation rules means no suitable alternative dates could be found before the end of the current season on 30 June.
Guernsey FA Chief Executive Gary Roberts says the decision is regrettable, but they have had to put health and safety first;
“The Committee remains fully committed to Inter Insular football and looks forward to ensuring these fixtures resume at the earliest opportunity, which will be when it is both viable and safe. The Committee remains hopeful that the situation in the Channel Islands will continue on the current positive trajectory, which will enable these historical fixtures to return to the football calendar in the 2021 season. ”
Jersey FA, and Inter-Insular Committee, President, Bradley Vowden agrees it was the 'only practical and realistic' decision in the circumstances:
“We have left this difficult decision as long as possible in order to provide the players from the Channel Islands the opportunity to play in these historic fixtures. In particular, the relevant age group Murattis where young people will have missed out due to the Pandemic and not get that opportunity again...
“The Committee will now focus on plans for the 2021/22 season and details of these fixtures will be announced in the months ahead."
Alderney FA Chairman Reg Atkins added:
“Alderney FA are disappointed that we have missed out on hosting Muratti matches on both the 100th and 101st Anniversaries of our sole win, but cancellation was the only safe option to continue the great work Dr. Brink and her associates have done to make our islands safe.”
The Inter-Insular Football Committee met last month to try to agree dates for this year's games, and gave a deadline of today to announce a decision.
The 2020 Muratti Vase did not go ahead for the first time in 73 years because of the pandemic.
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