All Jersey FA Combination matches until the end of 2020 have been postponed, with immediate effect, following a meeting of the Competitions Committee on Thursday night.

The decision, which has been approved by the Board of the Jersey Football Association, was taken in light of the large number of matches set to be impacted this weekend as a result of self-isolating players, as well as updated government guidelines around changing rooms which are expected to be introduced imminently. 

For the last few weeks, the number of fixtures postponed due to Covid has risen and a number of clubs have expressed concerns for the welfare of their players as well as the ability to manage fixtures under the difficult circumstances.

League and cup fixtures will resume in the New Year. However, during the remainder of December clubs who are able to train, whilst following the FA and Government of Jersey guidelines, are able to do so. No friendly fixtures will be approved by the Jersey FA for the remainder of 2020.

In addition, we can announce that the inter-parish Trinity Shield, normally played over the Christmas period, will now be pushed back to the end of the season. This historic tournament is well-supported by the parishes and the JFA does not wish to see it compromised by having to play “behind closed doors”. This postponement will also allow for students who have returned to the island, and who are unable to play due to isolation regulations, to potentially take part in the summer. 

“Our clubs have been superb in their management of Covid, however in recent weeks this has become much more difficult due to the rise in cases in the island,” said Jersey FA CEO David Kennedy.

“With a vaccine on the horizon and the confidence of the season drawing to its natural conclusion, once we get through this current period of increased cases, now is not the time to be asking even more of our dedicated volunteers. Covid is rising exponentially and if players do not have the use of a changing facility in this wet weather there are those potential health risks to be considered.”

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