The 2021 Unite the Union ‘Champions Cup’ has been scrapped after a series of false starts.
Organisers and teams were unable to settle on dates for the semi-finals and final of the cross-border competition since it was expanded and re-launched in October.
Shamrock Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic were due to meet in one semi-final and Irish League sides Linfield and Coleraine in the other.
An FAI statement today said: “The Unite the Union ‘Champions’ Cup 2021 has regrettably been called off in the wake of scheduling issues.
“Unite the Union, the Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Football Association (were left) with no choice but to inform the clubs of this decision.
“Cross-border initiatives to celebrate diversity, promote equality and build community will continue however.
“Unite the Union has provided funding of £50,000 which goes directly into communities and schools in the catchment areas of the teams involved.”
The FAI statement added: “Talks will now commence on the future of the competition itself and other initiatives.”
League of Ireland Director Mark Scanlon said: “Following on from the COVID-19 enforced postponement of the semi-finals late last year it has proven difficult to find alternative dates for the semi-finals and final.
“Together with Unite the Union and the IFA we have had to make the difficult decision to call off the tournament.
“The commitment of Unite the Union to football and their incredible work in the community with our clubs has been inspirational and we thank them for that.”
