THOMOND Park is set to miss out on a potentially lucrative soccer match this summer- but the FAI have promised a fixture for 2012.
This newspaper reported in November that Internazionale could be Treaty bound after it was indicated they would play a game outside of Dublin, in either Limerick or Cork.
A statement from the FAI said that the event organisers Endemol Sport, are unlikely to hold an event in Limerick this year.
“Endemol had been looking at a possible friendly against unnamed opposition in either Cork or Limerick.
“They had indicated that it is unlikely to happen in 2011, but it may happen in 2012”.
A provisional date had been selected for a high profile European side to play in Thomond Park, believed to be Inter Milan, but plans have changed in the past week.
The Limerick Post understands the tie was to be held in co-ordination with the Shane Geoghegan Trust, that brought Sunderland AFC to the city last summer.
Board member of the Shane Geoghegan Trust Kieran Ryan, said:
“I spoke to John Delaney this Tuesday night and he confirmed that there won’t be a match here this year.
“However, he has given a commitment that there will be a match in Limerick next year”.
Mayor of Limerick Maria Byrne, commented:
“It would have been nice to have a high profile soccer match while we are European City of Sport, but I am confident that an event will be announced in the future”.
European Cup winners Inter Milan will arrive in Ireland to play in the Dublin Super Cup at the Aviva Stadium in July, that will also feature Glasgow Celtic and Manchester City.
