Bohs have announced that, should they receive a home draw, they will play their Europa League qualifier in the Aviva Stadium.
It would mark the first time that the North Dublin outfit will play at the refurbished Lansdowne Road since its reopening in 2010. The move, facilitated by the FAI, will "allow the club to maintain the absolute maximum levels of health and safety measures in line with Uefa Covid-19 European football protocols," according to the club's website.
Bohs last played in the Dublin 4 venue in 1992, when they won the FAI Cup with a 1-0 victory over Cork City. Their four subsequent visits to the Blue Riband finale have been played in a multitude of other venues.
Dundalk are also mulling over a potential switch to the venue for their Champions League qualifier, again on the pretence of a home draw. Dundalk, of course, are no strangers to the venue, having played in five FAI Cup finals since 2010. The Lilywhites also played the home leg of their Champions League playoff against Legia Warsaw at the Aviva.
The Louth club's preference is to remain at their home ground of Oriel Park, but UEFA could reverse home advantage if the ground is considered 'out of date' compared to a competitor's facilities. Vinny Perth's side might opt for the safety of keeping home advantage, albeit one that is 85 km away.
The ground is being handed over rent-free to Bohemians, although the Phibsboro club must provide the operational costs for the ground's use. The League of Ireland's two other European representatives, Derry City and Shamrock Rovers, are expected to remain in their respective home grounds should they receive a home draw.
Due to COVID-19, all Champions League and Europa League qualifying matches are one-off affairs. Dundalk will find out their Champions League opponents on August 9, with Bohs, Derry City and Shamrock Rovers finding out their Europa League opposition on August 10.
