Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
13 players & games go ahead
The NI Football League is set to follow UEFA’S coronavirus protocols next season to assist the smooth running of competitions.
Guidance on how to respond to positive Covid-19 tests will be issued to clubs next week ahead of the Premiership kick-off on October 17.
UEFA protocols state that should a group of players be placed into quarantine, games will go ahead as long as a team has at least 13 players, including a keeper.
NIFL managing director Andrew Johnston said: “UEFA have a protocol designed at getting matches played and competitions flowing and moving.
“We are looking to adopt that. As long as a club has 13 available players, including a goalkeeper, we would then look for that
game to be played.
“That is something that has been replicated across Europe and is consistent and in line with how the
Irish FA are going to manage their respective cup competitions.”
Meanwhile, Cliftonville chairman Gerard Lawlor has reiterated the view that a financial package is required to ensure local clubs don’t go out of business.
Gate receipts alone are worth £2.1million to the 12 top tier clubs here.
With that revenue stream currently depleted due to a restriction on fans, there are concerns some clubs won’t survive the season. Lawlor said: “The combined turnover of the Premiership alone is around £11million a year which shows you what it brings to the economy. We need help to mitigate high financial losses.”
Meanwhile, a decision on whether to play this season’s League Cup has been deferred until January.