Irish Cup schedule will soon be ratified, says Irish FA chief

Martin added: “At this moment, there is no possibility of supporters attending games but the BBC are one of our stakeholders and we have a commitment to them.

“The final was to be on August 3 but if the league fixtures don’t happen it could be played the week before. The Committee will discuss that.

“The season had been extended to July 31 but the transfer window needs open for the clubs playing in Europe.”

Linfield topped the Premiership table when the league was suspended in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, with Coleraine four points back in second place.

The Blues are expected to be nominated for the Champions

League, with Coleraine taking a Europa League place.

The Irish Cup winners will secure a Europa League spot and if the Bannsiders lift the trophy, third placed league side Crusaders will expect to grasp the Euro reward.

The Cup has reached the semi-final stage with Coleraine facing Ballymena United and Glentoran up against Cliftonville.

Discussions will continue over the sharing of European money, ensuring any distribution throughout the league is fair and reasonable.

While the Premiership clubs and NIFL will hold further talks, Uefa’s decision to proceed with the Euro qualifiers leaves our league on the brink of a conclusion, with Linfield chairman Roy Mcgivern saying: “The news from Uefa means that decisions will need to be made quickly.”

Meanwhile, organisers of the Statsports Supercupni are developing a template for UK and Irish based teams only should travel restrictions still be in place for the 2021 tournament.

An Under-14 section will also be added to next year’s event.