The FAI have announced plans to get the League of Ireland and Women's National League back underway, with a number of measures put forward this evening.
In a statement released tonight, the FAI reaffirmed their commitment to getting the league back on track once it is safe to do so.
The measures suggested include a four-team trial tournament between the league's European sides, regular coronavirus testing, and a return to training for all clubs by the end of next month.
Key points for the @SSEAirtricityLg from the @FAIreland Safer Return to Football Policy document 👇
Full update ➡️ https://t.co/oqHE0gYmUV #LOI | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/dMP2I6YJMp— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) May 15, 2020
The key details of the announcement:
- Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City & Bohemians set to play four-team tournament
- Tournament to act as pilot scheme for a return to football & European competition preparation
- Players & staff from the four clubs invited to undergo regular COVID-19 testing from May 26
- Clubs can return to collective training on June 8
- All other SSE Airtricity League squads can return to collective training on June 29 with regular testing for players & staff
- FAI medical team will provide a detailed & transparent analysis of testing results
Dr Alan Byrne, who has been appointed by Sport Ireland to the Medical Advisory Group, had this to say about a potential return for the League of Ireland:
The only certainty around a return to football during this COVID-19 pandemic is the uncertainty..
My advice to clubs is not to return to training when we enter Phase One of the Government Roadmap on Monday, May 18, not to open their grounds and pitches, even to groups of four, and not to consider collective training or playing football until the medical evidence suggests otherwise...
My recommendation to the FAI is to begin with a pilot programme on June 8 for the four SSE Airtricity League teams who have qualified for European football...
We all want football back in our lives but it is not worth risking one life by rushing to get our game back.
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