Waterford FC have expressed regret that they have had to withdraw from the UEFA Youth League due to the Covid pandemic.
The under-19 National League Champions were due to face Swedish side Hammarby FC in the first round of the youth competition on Tuesday, March 2.
However the players have been unable to train due to the current Level 5 restrictions and won't be able to travel to Sweden.
A solution was looked for but in the absence of one, the club has withdrawn.
"It is our foremost regret to have to make this decision, especially for our young players," said Waterford Operations Manager Tony Burke.
"The club, working with the FAI, tried our utmost to try and find a way to compete in the competition but the travel restrictions and the inability to train and play made it impossible.
"Despite our disappointment, we fully understand that the health and well-being of our players and staff along with their families must take precedence over all other concerns during this dreadful pandemic".
