³ÉÈËÂÛ̳

Guernsey's football teams have pulled out of the 2025 Island Games in Orkney.

The 2023 hosts - whose men's team has won the second most gold medals of any island at the event - say they have not been able to find suitable travel and accommodation for the games.

Channel Island athletes from a number of sports have already raised concerns about Orkney 2025 - with the high cost of travel and lack of hotel rooms a key concern.

Some competitors will be put up in temporary dormitories in schools, self-catering accommodation and hostels at next July's event.

"We have been unable to confirm suitable arrangements for travel and accommodation which meets players expectations as well as our safeguarding requirements as we will be travelling with a number of under-18s alongside adult players,’ said Guernsey Football Association chief executive Gary Roberts.

"Unfortunately, the accommodation we have been allocated does not allow us to meet our responsibilities when travelling with two teams of mixed ages.

"As a minimum, we would need to take additional safeguarding chaperones which are not included within our competitor allocations."

Guernsey's men had been drawn in the same group as Channel Island rivals Jersey at the tournament - the first time that had happened in 28 years.

It is not yet known if another island will fill Guernsey's place - a draw to see who would take part had to be made as there were more men's sides applying than the 12 that could be accommodated.

Guernsey's men's team have won three football gold medals - a record only beaten by Jersey.

Guernsey's women's best performance was fourth in 2003 on home soil - they were 10th last year.

"The GFA board discussed the situation earlier this week and agreed that player experience had to be the priority when considering our participation in the competition," Roberts added.

"We know this will come as a huge disappointment to the players but the GFA will be actively looking for alternative opportunities for off-island competition during 2025."