Parishes of Jersey FC are one of 16 regions due to travel to Skopje in May but the status of the event could soon be in doubt due to its global reach.
The Island’s top players – set to be named by PoJ manager James Scott on Monday – are currently expected in the North Macedonian capital from 30 May-7 June, alongside teams hailing from as far afield as Japan, America, Chile and Argentina.
PoJ have already spent over £20,000 on their debut World Cup campaign, including the cost of travel.
Scott said: ‘I have had a global Skype meeting with the ConIFA executive committee and the 16 teams who have qualified for the World Cup. No-one could have predicted this spanner in the works.
‘A lot of the teams were in agreement that currently it’s too early to make a call. A number of teams like ourselves have already made a financial commitment to the World Cup and we’re going to give it every opportunity to take place. All our flights are booked and the only way we’ll get the money back is if those flights are cancelled. A lot of teams are in the same boat.’
Despite those financial implications, Scott said there will be little hesitation in opting out if the situation worsens.
‘It will be a hit but the health and safety of our players, regardless of the money, is the most important thing,’ he said.
‘At this moment in time it’s “business as usual” but we’re fully aware that things are changing daily. We’ll be keeping a very close eye on how things are.’
