The Isle of Man FA has said it was surprised to learn of Manx International Football Alliance’s plans for its Ellan Vannin side to play Occitania in France next month.
In a statement released to the media on Thursday evening the FA said: ‘The Isle of Man Football Association (IoMFA) is surprised to learn that the Manx International Football Alliance (MIFA) has arranged to play a match against Occitania on December 30.
‘This has happened notwithstanding the fact that a previous application to play a match on that date (against Kurdistan) had been rejected by the IoMFA under the provisions contained within paragraph three of the agreed joint Memorandum of Understanding and on the grounds that this would have a negative impact on fixtures already arranged by the IoMFA around that time, including the Railway Cup final on December 28 and a full fixture programme on the January 3 and would not be in the best interests of member clubs.
‘It was made clear to MIFA at the time that rejection of their application was not related to either the opposition or the venue but solely because of the date proposed.
‘In addition, in a letter from MIFA to the IoMFA on the October 4 regarding the proposed game against Kurdistan, it was stated that (notwithstanding the game had not been granted approval) it had already received widespread international coverage.
‘MIFA went on to say that if the game was to be cancelled then there would be implications both to the image of the Isle of Man and Manx football.
‘This presumably was also the reason why MIFA declined an invitation to meet with the IOMFA to discuss alternative dates. It is therefore surprising to learn that the match had been replaced by the Occitania fixture.
‘This matter will be the subject of further correspondence with MIFA.’