World Footy News

Despite the enormous efforts of the AFL Middle east and the Oman based  Clann na hOman GAA and Muscat Magpies AFL, the team has announced it will not formally continue the current season. In a blow to the Middle East competition, the Magpies will bow out and work towards a stronger club for next season and beyond.

 

The president of AFL Middle East, Matt Burn, released the following statement:

 

 

Unfortunately the Muscat Magpies have withdrawn from the 2014/15 season. The Magpies have struggled for numbers since the beginning of the season and sadly the situation has only become worse over the year.

 

The two games played versus the Dubai Dragons and Dubai Dingoes will not be counted towards the 2014/15 season. John O'Connor, Chairman of the GAA and Muscat Magpies stated "these games have allowed us a fighting chance going into next season. With Lance's (coach of Muscat) enthusiasm and passion for AFL, I am hopeful we can turn things around going forward."

 

Matt Burn, GM of AFLME would like to "thank the Magpies for their hard work in trying everything possible to keep the team going for this season. People need to understand that the Magpies are made up of 90% Irish expats whose first choice of sport is Gaelic Football, which they also play across the Middle East. I am confident that next season the Magpies will be back."

 

If anyone in Muscat is interested in playing Australian Rules Football please contact aflmideast@gmail.com

 

According to John O’Connor, Chairperson for Clann na hOman GAA and Muscat Magpies AFL:

“On behalf of Muscat Magpies, we are terribly saddened that the AFL season has come to this for us. We were hopeful that by competing in a couple of games, the interest would return but instead, since December we have lost a further 3 players and are now in a position where it is difficult to field a GAA team, which makes an extra difficult situation in fielding AFL, due to a busy schedule and lack of resources.

 

We are extremely grateful to all the clubs for offering to travel to Muscat and hopefully the Dragons and Dingoes did not feel their trip was in vain. From our point of view, these games were very important as to not play any games in the season would most likely see the end of the Magpies. These games have allowed us a fighting chance going into next season. With Lance's enthusiasm and passion for AFL, I am hopeful we can turn things around going forward.”

 

It is hoped that the actions now may lead to a positive outcome whereby a recruiting drive may lead to a stronger Magpies team in the future. World Footy News will remain in contact with AFL Middle East and report any further developments.

 

Certainly there is a great opportunity for any interested or prospective players to contact AFL Middle East directly (via the above email link) to express their interest.