EVEN the Jersey Football Association president feels sorry for the Guernsey players who are not going to Rhodes next year. Ricky Weir, who took over as JFA president in July, said: ‘I don’t know the politics but I’m surprised by the decision and going by the reaction of the players it doesn’t go in line with their views,’ he said.

‘I sympathise with them. At the end of the day it’s about the players on the pitch.

‘I was very disappointed when Jersey didn’t go to the Shetland Island Games. It was part of my manifesto for the presidency that we would try and go to every big tournament we could.

‘If their [the players'] feelings are strong enough then the GFA would have to reconsider. I’m disappointed for the players and hopefully that the strength of their opinion changes it.

‘I hope that there is still scope and time for a reconsideration of the decision. Ultima-tely it’s the players I feel sorry for.’

Still no official reason has yet to be given by the GFA for their decision, but it is believed it is down to health and security issues following the Guernsey Island Games.

Six players were sent off when Guernsey played Rhodes in 2003 in a match that was abandoned amid chaotic scenes.

The JFA council decided earlier this summer that they would be sending both of their men’s and women’s teams.

‘It would be good for the Channel Islands that both of us go,’ said Weir.

‘Personally I think it’s an opportunity for the old rivalry to be reignited but beyond that it shows the unity of the Channel Islands. There are lots of things we can do together in the future.

‘It would be healthy for Channel Islands football to send both teams.’

Scotsman Weir acknowledges that the 30C plus temperatures that will hit the footballers in Rhodes will cause problems.

But he believes there is enough time to prepare for the heat and he does not believe it is a viable reason to pull out of a competition.

‘It’s going to be the same for all of the teams,’ said Weir.

‘I don’t see it any different to England playing in South Africa at the next World Cup. Are they going to pull out?

‘Clearly if you go to any event you want to prepare youself the best you can.

‘The fact we are told far in advance as to where the Games are, there’s time to prepare the players.’