ISLANDERS have been denied the chance to see the next generation of Brazilian football stars by the cancellation of the Jersey International Football Tournament.

Grant cuts by the Economic Development Department have led to the cancellation of the under-21 team event which has been a highlight of the sporting calendar since it began in 1999, and which had been set to play host to a team from Brazilian side Cruzeiro and a Japanese international side.

Sporting Eventualities, who organise the Springfield-based tournament – won last year by a Jersey senior team – say the decision to cut the grant made the event unfeasible.

However, they are still in talks with Jersey Tourism and are confident it will be back next year.

Iain Mackenzie of Sporting Eventualities said it was particularly disappointing to miss out on the festival with football fever at a high pitch following the World Cup, and because they had secured the presence of a Brazilian side for the first time.