Ross Allen attempts to get past the Isle of Man defence in Aland last summer. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0799739)

There is also a suggestion in the wide-ranging paper, sent out to member islands by the International Island Games executive committee, that men’s and women’s football competitions could be held at alternative Games, giving each sex a competition every four years.

The document is offering various solutions and suggestions to help control the size and costs of the popular biennial NatWest Island Games, with the suggestion about football being just one of many.

The idea of football losing out appals Mark Le Tissier, chairman of the Guernsey Football Association.

‘I am a great supporter of the Island Games – the Games give our best footballers the opportunity play in a unique tournament environment which tests their personal and team skills and endurance levels far beyond what they encounter during a normal football season,’ he said.

‘An important part of the Games, certainly as far as Guernsey is concerned, is that all sports go to the Games as one team, Team Guernsey.

‘Therefore, if the football competition were to be run separately, this would take away the opportunity for the footballers to support Guernsey competitors in other sports and also for other Guernsey competitors to support the Guernsey football team.

‘And judging by the numbers that came to watch the football in Aland there will be a lot of disappointed people if the competition were to be run separately.

‘Personally, I would not want football to be run as a separate competition,’ he said.