The 2005 Mediterranean Cup has been cancelled at the eleventh hour, just
nine days before kick off. The Lebanese Rugby League Committee, hosts of
the annual tournament since 2002, made the shock announcement on
Wednesday afternoon, 5 October.
 
The European federation's appointed tournament director and Lebanese
rugby league official, Danny Kazandjian: "it is with a sense of profound
disappointment that we have had to face harsh reality and cancel the
Mediterranean Cup, just one day before our official launch press
conference at the Searock Hotel in Raouche, West Beirut, and just nine
days before Lebanon was due to take on Serbia in the Olympic Stadium,
Tripoli. The Lebanese rugby league feels extremely let down by certain
parties.
 
"We have spent a not inconsiderable amount of funds on promotion, but
even more damaging, have worked closely with the Ministry of Education,
and the Ministry of Youth and Sport, under whose patronage the
tournament was being held. In addition, our high profile, nationwide
press campaign is now in its second week but will of course cease.
 
"The RLEF is well aware of the facts and the matter will be discussed at
the federation board meeting next month. We are very disappointed for
our sponsors, Bartercard, DHL, Mike Sport, Luna Press, and the Searock Hotel.
 
"Lebanese rugby league has prided itself on always reaching the targets
it has set itself, and the loss of this tournament is undoubtedly of
great detriment to the sport and its development in Lebanon."
 
RLEF development officer Kevin Rudd: "I am very  disappointed for the
Lebanese Rugby League and the opportunities lost for players to
represent their countries in what has previously been a strong event."