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FAI meet with clubs and PFAI t...

Coronavirus

FAI meet with clubs and PFAI to discuss coronavirus fallout

Rebecca Noonan
Rebecca Noonan

07:53 12 Mar 2020


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The FAI met with the PFAI and Airtricity League clubs yesterday to discuss the potential fall out of the coronavirus.

While games haven't been suspended, the association say they are continuing to monitor the situation.

The meeting yesterday was to discuss what would happen should the league shut down for a prolonged time, and that they will take their lead from the Department of Health.

A statement released by the FAI read:

"The Football Association of Ireland today met with the National League Executive Committee and the Professional Footballer’s Association of Ireland to discuss the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on domestic football.

A steering group was established at today’s meeting and will monitor developments on a daily basis with the Association now working closely with the NLEC and the PFAI to examine the potential impact of a sporting shutdown.

The FAI will coordinate this work and will present its findings to government and UEFA in relation to the financial implications for SSE Airtricity League clubs and players along with proposals on how best the Irish football industry can be protected.

An FAI spokesman said: “Today’s meeting was a productive one and allowed us all to focus on the situation facing our National League clubs and players. We discussed at length our serious concerns around Covid-19 and began to develop a contingency plan to help our clubs during this potentially difficult time.

“We are currently gathering all financial data and working with the clubs and the players on the financial implications they face. Once we have a true understanding of this, we will be approaching Government and UEFA on behalf of the clubs to seek their support.”

The FAI is fully supportive of government policy in relation to mass gatherings and sporting events and will take its lead from the Department of Health. 

The FAI will continue to hold daily meetings regarding the Covid-19 outbreak and its effect on Irish football."


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