FAI CLUBS’ RETURN IS UNCLEAR

THE FAI’s preference is to resume the 2020 SSE Airtricity League of Ireland season in mid-August but it’s understood that clubs won’t be punished if they feel it’s not worth their while to restart. Instead, the FAI has a back-up strategy to wait until 2021 – the 100th year of the FAI – and split the new season in half to decide European spots for 2021-22 and 2022-23. Clarity is due on Thursday when the FAI and the clubs meet to thrash out a definitive pathway for the return of football. If the clubs agree to the terms, the 2020 Premier Division and First Division seasons will resume. If not, the FAI will permit a ‘league’ behind closed doors for those who want to play. It is understood there would be no relegation for clubs who chose not to resume, or promotion from the First Division either. Clubs who remain on the outside can come in from the cold in 2021 where the first 18 games of the Premier Division season would determine qualification for the 2021-22 Champions League and Europa League campaigns. The second 18 games would decide places for the following season’s Euro competitions, but where the extra.ie FAI Cup fits into the equation is uncertain. FAI interim deputy CEO Niall Quinn warned clubs yesterday they are in a ‘very dangerous’ situation. Following yesterday’s Phase 2 news, the FAI is working on protocols to allow all League of Ireland clubs and Women’s National League clubs return to group training to a maximum of 15 people. The FAI Steering Group said last night it would review the cessation of football directive which currently runs until July 20, excluding the four Eurobound clubs, Dundalk United, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Derry City, who can resume training in groups of ten on Monday.