Clock ticking for FAI as Kenny awaits green light

THE clock is ticking for the FAI as they seek a Government exemption for travelling to and from Bulgaria next month for Stephen Kenny’s first game as Republic of Ireland manager. Kenny urgently needs the green light to avoid the nightmare of players having to quarantine on their return from Bulgaria, which is not on Ireland’s green list. Without the dispensation,

Kenny cannot proceed with his plans for the Nations League double-header — Ireland play Bulgaria on September 3 and Finland at home on September 6 and Kenny names his squad on Monday. UEFA yesterday asked all its member associations to speak to their respective governments to seek quarantine exemptions if they are travelling to a highrisk country. Association members can also ask to play games at neutral venues but Bulgaria are adamant it’s safe for Ireland to visit. Ireland’s cricketers were told to self isolate for 14 days on their return from England after their recent ODI series. UEFA have confirmed the two rounds of the Nations League will be held behind closed doors. But the UEFA Super

Cup in Budapest on September 24 could be a pilot match, with a reduced number of fans allowed in. Against this backdrop, a Women’s National League game has been postponed because of a Covid-19 scare. Tonight’s fixture between Peamount United and DLR Waves was pulled by the FAI yesterday due to ‘a potential Covid-19 case within DLR Waves’, according to the association.