The chief minister has congratulated the Ellan Vannin football team on its achievements.
But he doubted whether an independent football association would ever be created in the Isle of Man.
Ellan Vannin finished runners-up in the Conifa World Cup in Sweden and returned home to a warm welcome yesterday.
Speaking in the House of Keys, West Douglas MHK Chris Thomas said the team, set up by the newly formed Manx International Football Alliance, inspired the football community and promoted Manx heritage and culture to a wider world.
While Allan Bell agreed, he said there would be many obstacles and potential disadvantages if the Isle of Man was to cut its links from the English Football Association and be completely independent:
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