Sport

Reds and Blues opt out of Setanta Cup

CLIFTONVILLE and Linfield have opted out of the 2014 Setanta Sports Cup citing problems over the competition's scheduling as the primary reason for their withdrawal.

The Blues won the All-Ireland competition back in 2005, but suffered a 7-2 defeat to eventual winners Shamrock Rovers last season, while the Reds lost 6-2 on aggregate to Cork City.

Both Belfast clubs declined invitations to participate in next year's competition and their places have gone to Ballinamallard United and Coleraine who finished fifth and sixth respectively in the league last season.

In a statement, Linfield also hinted at their dismay over a greatly reduced prize fund for next year's tournament.

It was confirmed yesterday that the winners of the competition will receive €30,000 with the runnerup receiving €10,000. Every team who competes will also receive €3,000.

"The scheduling of the Setanta Sports Cup games in the springtime when teams from Northern Ireland are approaching the closing stages of their domestic league and Irish cup competitions tends to be less favourable to clubs in the Danske Bank Premiership and this club will always prioritise the League title as the prime target and focus in every season," read the Linfield statement.

"With a much reduced prize fund available to clubs competing in the Setanta Sports Cup and also taking into account the considerable difficulties faced by our supporters travelling to attend these games, the Linfield Board of Directors has, on this occasion, taken the decision not to enter the 2014 Setanta Sports Cup competition.

In a similar statement, Cliftonville said: "Cliftonville Football Club were pleased to receive an invitation to compete in the 2014 Setanta Sports Cup but, amid an already heavy footballing schedule which began with the Champions League in July, we have decided not to take up the invitation this season.

"We have enjoyed being part of the tournament in previous years and do not rule out our possible participation in the future. We wish the organisers of this season's tournament every success."

The year's Setanta Cup draw will take place on Wednesday at noon in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin.

Setanta Sports announced that they are to continue their sponsorship of the competition until 2016.