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Corona League teams could enter FA Cup this season

Flanagans FC, formerly MR Onions, weare their new uniforms during an inter-squad game at BAA . (Photo by Akil Simmons)

By Josh BallCorona League champions Vasco could be given a chance to resume their historic relationship with the FA Cup.Bermuda Football Association have approached the Corona League about having their clubs enter this season’s competition.Talks between the two leagues are understood to be at an advanced stage, with Corona president Mike McGrath indicating that they were just waiting for BFA clubs to give the idea their backing.“At the moment I couldn’t say (when it will happen),” said McGrath. “I know we have been talking about it for some time, and I get the impression that it’s at the point of either being voted for and against. But when and where that vote can take place I don’t know.“As a league we’re all very open to the idea, and look forward to going back on the road again. There is a bit of a romance to any cup competition, especially an FA Cup competition, which is part of the history of the game and just being a part of it is enjoyable.”The only two stumbling blocks as far as McGrath is concerned is getting a decision made sooner rather than later, and in the impact that decision would have on Corona clubs such as Robin Hood who also have a team in the BFA’s Digicel Premier Division.“We’ve opened the door, we can work with it, but I think the biggest stumbling block would be two teams from the same club entering. That will be where the BFA’s constitution comes in.“The time frame is an issue as well. Obviously we can’t wait indefinitely for it because we have a league to put on ourselves, and there will come a date when we have to say yes or no.“It wouldn’t necessarily remove it (the plan) from the table but we may have to look at a longer time frame for introducing it, like next season.”Many Corona League clubs have a long association with the FA Cup from their days in the now defunt Commercial League, and McGrath said many were looking forward to returning to being able to test themselves against Premier and First Division sides.“I think it’s always nice to try yourself against stiffer competition and some of our top sides I think can rival some of the First Division sides,” he said. “It’s also the magic of a cup competition and on your day everyone stands a chance to win.“I guess those things attract everybody to it. It can be a good day out for the clubs and hopefully enjoyable for everybody involved.”