Chink of light after testing few months
DUNDALK FC players will learn the results of their second round of Covid-19 tests this Wednesday or Thursday.
All players and officials from the SSE Airtricity League champions - as well as from the other four European qualifiers Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Derry City - returned negative results after their first round of tests last week.
The players were back in Oriel Park on Bank Holiday Monday for further testing with the hope that the club can return to training this coming Monday June 8th.
Manager Vinny Perth will then begin the process of preparing his side for a proposed four team tournament involving the league’s European qualifiers in July. That will form the basis of the preparation for the European games, which are expected to take place sometime in August.
UEFA are due to meet on June 17th to outline the new schedule for clubs and the basis of that meeting will determine the exact dates for the proposed four team tournament.
News of the negative tests for all four clubs was welcomed by FAI Interim Deputy CEO Niall Quinn.
He said: ‘This is most welcome news and a very positive step as we work with the government, their agencies and all stakeholders in the game towards a safer return for all of Irish football.
‘These negative results are an early boost for everyone in the game but it is only the start. We have to remain vigilant and we again urge all affiliates - clubs, players, supporters and parents – to abide by the Government and HSE guidelines.’
But while the four Euro qualifiers plot a return to football, there are growing fears among clubs and players that the
Picture: Aidan Dullaghan/NEWSPICS
SSE Airtricity League may not resume at all.
While a possible re-start date for the league of August 14th was mentioned last week, the failure by the FAI to secure an appropriate financial package to satisfy clubs to return to action behind closed doors means there may not be any more action in 2020.
For Dundalk FC that could mean that the remainder of this season consists of just the four-team tournament involving themselves, Rovers, Bohemians and Derry City, as well as however far they go in Europe.
Even if the league returns, it is likely to be cut even further from three to two rounds. That could mean that the Lilywhites have just 13 league games to play this season, although the preference among most clubs is understood to be to scrap the previous five games played in February and March and start afresh with two rounds of 18 matches so that each team plays each other home and away.
For that to proceed, a financial package - of which Government support would be vital - would be needed with the cost of testing players for Covid-19 said to be substantial.