Interim Deputy CEO of the FAI Niall Quinn has warned that League of Ireland clubs are in a "very dangerous position" due to the season remaining at a standstill.
The league is yet to agree to a return to play protocol, with issues such as revenue, social distancing and matches behind closed doors all yet to be resolved.
Quinn told The Football Show on Sky Sports that the situation is "tough" on clubs as well as his own team in the FAI. Quinn went on to talk about the overarching issues that the COVID-19 crisis has caused for Irish sports at large, and how sustainability for all clubs is key to returning to action.
We’ve gone ahead of the posse, because all our sports are in trouble over here, it’s not just football
We have tried to find a formula that will at least begin the pathway back for everyone. Some of the clubs are a little worried about that and we get that.
It wouldn’t be right to plunge them into something they can’t sustain and we’ll need outside help for that.
Certain League of Ireland clubs are skeptical that returning to action without the revenue generated by gate receipts is untenable. Quinn urged all Irish football stakeholders to "act in the interests of all" when making their decisions on returning to play.
Quinn also hopes that he will be able to deliver "good news" with regards to the League's return within the next week, although he adds that discussions remain ongoing.
Four of the League's teams that are competing in European competition this season - Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Derry City and Bohemians - are set to return to training on Monday as part of a pilot scheme for football resumption at all levels throughout the country.
The four sides are also set to take part in a tournament in July at a neutral location.
