FA Vase: FC Isle of Man withdraw due to ongoing border restrictions

Wed, 09 Sep 2020

FC Isle of Man have been forced to withdraw from this season's FA Vase.

Complications which have arisen due to the coronavirus pandemic mean The Ravens' fixture with AFC Liverpool will no longer go ahead, with the latter progressing to the next round of the competition.

A statement from the newly-formed Manx club points to the current border regulations as the reason for it not being able to complete the fixture as planned.

Island residents are able to travel abroad, however, they must self-isolate for at least seven days on their return; rising to 14 days if they fail to provide a negative Covid-19 test after a week in quarantine.

It means Chris Bass, Sr's side exit the FA Vase at the earliest possible stage without kicking a ball, but it remains to be seen how the borders policy could affect the club's league games.

FC Isle of Man are set to compete in the Northwest Counties Football League Division One (South) in the 2020/21 season.

The club statement in full reads:

"Following discussions with the Isle of Man Government and the Football Association, it is clear that the current border regulations on the island are not conducive in enabling the club to fulfil this particular fixture at this time. Therefore, we have reluctantly informed the Football Association and AFC Liverpool that we will be unable to complete this fixture.

Everyone at FC Isle of Man wish AFC Liverpool the very best with their continued participation in the competition and we look forward to competing in next season’s FA Vase.

With regard to our upcoming Northwest Counties Football League Division One (South) fixtures, we are in active dialogue with the NWCFL and the Isle of Man Government and will plan for all contingencies. All parties share the same objectives of finding an appropriate way forward.

We will advise our supporters of any decisions in due course."

---