Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Cup sides in training green light
THIS season’s Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup has been granted ‘elite’ status, allowing all participating clubs from outside the Premiership to commence full training from March 31.
Championship and Premier Intermediate League sides will be deemed elite for as long as they remain in the competition.
Clubs from the second and third tiers have not trained since December, with their respective league seasons having been cancelled last month.
It follows the NI Executive’s announcement regarding the easing of some coronavirus restrictions.
The IFA said: “The Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup will begin on 27 April following yesterday’s NI Executive announcement regarding easing of
Covid-19 restrictions, with confirmation of the details of a wider return to training for grassroots football to follow in the coming days.
“Protocols have been drawn up to ensure the
Irish Cup can take place safely with all arrangements subject to change depending on any further government guidance.
“Advice for non-premiership clubs will be on hand with a webinar scheduled to provide information on the testing programme that will be rolled out by the Irish FA. Clubs will be permitted to play friendly matches against other participant clubs subject to the Irish FA testing programme.”
Five championship clubs - Ards, Newry City, Institute, Queen’s and the Welders have already withdrawn from this season’s Irish
Cup, citing player welfare and finance as reasons for their decision.
This season’s Irish Cup schedule will be:
ROUND 1: Tuesday, April 27, ROUND 2: Saturday, May 8,
QUARTER-FINALS: Tuesday, May 11, SEMI FINALS: Tuesday, May 18, FINAL: Friday, May 21.