Plans to show the closing stages of the World Cup on a giant screen in Howard Davis Park have been abandoned after organisers failed to secure enough sponsorship – with the government saying further taxpayer funding would “not be appropriate”.

A government spokesperson confirmed that while ministers had agreed to contribute “some” funding towards the initiative, the privately organised project will no longer go ahead after additional commercial backing could not be secured.

“This was an initiative by a private organiser,” they said. “The government agreed to provide some funding towards it, but as the organiser could not secure the additional sponsorship needed, it will not be going ahead.”

The timing of the remaining football tournament fixtures also influenced the decision not to provide any further public funding.

“Given the kick-off times of the remaining matches are generally less suitable for families and could run well into the night, additional taxpayer funding would not be appropriate,” the spokesperson explained.

England are next due to play Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday at 10pm.

If the Three Lions can get past the Vikings this weekend, they would then face either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals at 8pm on Wednesday 15 June.

The World Cup 2026 final is scheduled for 8pm on Sunday 19 July.

Islanders are instead encouraged to enjoy the remaining matches at licensed venues.

“Town pubs and bars have invested in extending their licenses for the tournament, and so there will be many venues where people can come together to watch the games,” the government spokesperson said.

The announcement marks a disappointing end to proposals unveiled in May, when government officials outlined ambitions to transform Howard Davis Park into a free community viewing space for the World Cup and Wimbledon matches.

At the time, then-director of local services Paul McGinnety said the initiative was intended to “bring people together” through sport, culture and free activities.

The plans would have seen a giant screen installed between 9 and 19 July, showing Wimbledon during the day before broadcasting the World Cup quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.

Mr McGinnety said the screenings would have provided a family-friendly alternative to watching major sporting events in licensed premises.

“The idea for this is to basically bring the community together,” he said. “It’s a safe space for people who maybe don’t want to go to the pubs to watch football.”

The project was being organised through the International Cultural Centre, with support from Jersey Sport and community organisations.

Organisers had hoped corporate sponsorship would unlock an even broader programme, including coverage of the Commonwealth Games later this summer.