The Solomon Bilikiki Beach Soccer team will not leave tomorrow as initially planned for matches in the Reunion.
The office of the Solomon Islands Football Federation confirmed the changes this afternoon following advice from the Oceania Football Confederation office in Auckland, New Zealand this morning.
SIFF General Secretary Eddie Ngava said the news was a blow and is consulting with the OFC on alternative arrangements for the team.
He revealed that he had been in regular contact with the OFC office since Thursday last week and through the weekend on the matter.
Massive costs involved in the proposed tour forced the OFC to abandon the plan in the eleventh hour.
Ngava says the organizers of the competition were disappointed when they were informed that Solomon Bilikiki will not participate in their competition.
“The organizers in the Reunion hold high regard for the Solomon Islands because of its status as a World Cup finalist and are disappointed about it,” he adds.
And because of this cancellation, the team will remain in camp while local preparation to be stepped up in the coming days.
Ngava says his office is working closely with other partners to solicit additional assistance to support the team in its preparation in camp and also tournament.
Meanwhile, the team will travel to Brazil later this month for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.