Jersey Football Association chief executive David Kennedy admits that intentions to save knockout tournaments may not pay off as government guidance is unlikely to permit a return to competitive team sport before the cut-off point for the 2019/20 campaign. Officials at Springfield resisted the urge to declare all competitions null and when the England FA called a halt to grass-roots football in March – instead setting a July deadline for the Combination’s 16 outstanding finals.
With league standings already decided on a points-per-game basis, clubs with cup silverware at stake are waiting for permission to return to the field. However, the Government of Jersey’s Safe Exit Framework, which tags the Island’s current restrictions as Level 3, will not permit the resumption of ‘sports events’ until Level 1 has been reached. And even then football matches could be excluded as only groups of up to 25 people will be allowed to gather.
Kennedy said: ‘While we have held aspirations to hold the cup finals in July, it is looking increasingly likely that won’t be an option for us. However, we will work with government and Jersey Sport over the next two weeks before finalising a decision. We are also speaking to them to develop clear guidelines for Phases 2 and 1 so everyone can prepare accordingly for the coming season.
‘Our overriding message to the football community is to continue to follow the government guidelines and stay safe.’
Among the fixtures still to be completed are the Jersey FA Cup final between Rozel Rovers and St Paul’s and the Wheway Memorial Trophy final between St Ouen and St Paul’s. Rozel Women were due to meet Guernsey Ladies in the Women’s FA Cup final, while the Richie Brocken, Brian Beckett, Chairman’s, Eric Amy and Alex Scott trophies were on the schedule at junior level. The Guernsey FA have already cancelled the Jeremie Cup final between Jersey Wanderers and St Paul’s.
