Following two years of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Muratti finals weekend is set to make a welcome return to Jersey’s Springfield Stadium this May.

For the first time in the fiercely-contested tournament’s history, Close Finance will be the headline sponsor for both the men’s Muratti Vase and the women’s Muratti.

The women’s Muratti has not been played since 2016, so the return of the competition this year will not only be a brilliant competitive event; it will also help support the growth of women’s football in the Channel Islands.

The men’s semi-final will take place on 23rd April 2022 between Alderney and Guernsey, the men’s final on Saturday 21st May 2022 and the women’s final on Sunday 22nd May 2022, all supported by the Close Finance sponsorship agreement.

Kevin Allen, of Close Finance, commented: “We’ve all missed this tournament and we’re so proud to be part of this iconic Channel Islands football experience. We are committed to the community we have been serving for over 50 years and are particularly pleased that we have been given the opportunity to nurture both the men and women who excel in football locally. We wish all the teams the best of luck.”

Bradley Vowden, President of the Jersey Football Association, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that we have been able to engage with a pan Island company of the stature of Close Finance. They have shown their commitment to footballs diversity by agreeing to sponsor both fixtures, which is particularly pleasing for us to announce on International Women’s Day.”

Details of ticket sales for both fixtures are due to be announced in the coming weeks.