THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland say they will “seek clarity” from the government over today’s announcement that no licences will be given for events of more than 5,000 people until September at the earliest.
The FAI say they will arrange talks with Government and Department of Sport officials to find out “what this latest ruling will mean for the SSE Airtricity League and also its potential effect on international football if it is extended into September”.
The association originally hoped to recommence the League of Ireland season on 19 June, with the Women’s National League due to start a week later, but this target appears increasingly uncertain following the latest development.
Earlier the FAI had suggested Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off against Slovakia in Bratislava was “likely” to take place in October, while as many as five Irish international matches could happen before then, with Nations League fixtures scheduled to begin in September.
Speaking to FAI TV today, the association’s Interim CEO Gary Owens said: “This is breaking news this evening and in two respects for us. The obvious question is, can we hold the international matches in the autumn period?
“We really need to be able to hold those matches and have mass gatherings in September. Hopefully we can get to the end of August and that 5,000 limit will be increased.
On the other hand, it gives us an opportunity with the League of Ireland clubs. That is a significant input now into the debate we will be having tomorrow with the National League Executive Committee, because 5,000 could now be a level on which we could now resume the League of Ireland.
“That is a significant input and we need to take that into account, along with all the other factors which we are now analysing in advance of making a decision on the 5th of May when the Government will make their formal decision known.”
Owens added that the FAI were still unsure of the nuances of today’s ruling and the impact it will have on football.
“Like everything else, the devil is in the detail. We really need to understand what they mean by 5,000 in terms of mass gatherings and whether that applies in stadiums and what are the criteria we would have to comply with.
“We have been working with the medical team in Uefa who are helping us with guidelines, but obviously, we need to talk to the HSE and try and understand whether or not they would allow mass gatherings in football stadiums and if they do up to that level of 5,000, that could be a significant breakthrough for us.”
On plans to resume both the League of Ireland and Women’s National League in June, Owens said: “We will wait until we hear what the HSE and the Government have to say on May 5th. We are working through the National League Executive Committee and we are considering all the options.
We have a number of scenarios, which include putting it back, includes working behind closed doors, it includes looking at restricted stadiums, so I think until we hear what the government have to say and what their advice is, we really can’t make a decision.
“I think the most important thing for us at the moment is to analyse all the options, look at all the scenarios and be ready to make a decision that is appropriate.”
Owens is also hopeful that Uefa will permit European ties involving Irish clubs to go ahead in July as planned.
“The latest is they are sticking with the dates. The Irish clubs look like they will be competing on the 28th of July so that is probably the most optimistic date. They have two options, one starting 28th July and one only a week later so they are still committed to making sure the European qualifying competitions for our clubs take place in late July and early August.”
5,000 safe, 5001 not safe
@Oracle Steve: class
@Oracle Steve: i think that its more to do with future revenue to protect their pension pot.
@Dave Barrett: you mean JD’s stash.
@Oracle Steve: “We dont understand”, says disorganised association full of village idiots.
@Rocky Rocks: ok. I did not want to come out and say it.
What is not clear to them?
@JarryWasNotInTheRA: probably headed the ball one or two times too many as children
@JarryWasNotInTheRA: great news for League of Ireland football. They can get back to normal quickly enough while GAA and rugby wait.. They might even get bigger crowds now
I think this needs to be made clear to most people , gigs over 5,000 and other gatherings need a licence to go ahead and none of them will be granted but that does not mean events and venues under 5,000 can go ahead either ,that will be up to the guidelines on social distancing going forward and most certainly concerts and any matches will not be going ahead for a long time , Loi teams wouldn’t open up for 1/4 capacity max sales and concert venues cant keep people away from one another to what will be required, promoters and artists are not going to put on 3to4 extra shows to be able to space out the crowd , get used to be at home folks this will be going on for quite some time
@colm connolly: Sorry getting used to it its not natural lol
I would even go watch UCD at this stage.
@David Connolly: Im looking forward to catching up on the ePL tournament online, thats how bad things are…!!
Eat 7 pieces of garlic. It doesn’t kill the virus but everyone will keep a big distance.
Most games don’t get near 5,000, and at the Dublin derbies just limit the attendance to 5,000
@LFCMAD_94: 7500 for the last Dublin derby in Tallaght
@Shea Carroll: says the pedantic baby-killing abortion apologist. #bloodontheirhands #loveboth
5,000 is a disgrace..no gatherings at all needed
@Jono: Of course gatherings are ‘needed’.
We have to slowly and systematically safely open up our country as soon as is possible.
@Camacsaint: Yes we do, but gatherings of large crowds (even 500-1000) wouldnt be the way forward, have to start slowly with retail shops opening again with limits on customer numbers
it does occur to me that 50 or 500 or 5000 and above is the same when social distancing cannot be observed. One could argue that each start in the Aviva is a social gathering and therefore we could have 4999 people in each of the stands and the risk would be the same as 4999 people attending a number (say 10) of League of Ireland games.
one infected person would only have contact with those in their immediate surrounding. This is not the same an a free standing concert where people can walk around and be in contact with hundreds more.
I am sure the situation will become clearer over the next few weeks as we see the numbers in hospital and ICU. That said, I think international games should not include visiting supporters – and that works both ways. One could argue that a Dublin Derry game should only have home support as well… it would at least reduce intercounty transmission risks. There is a lot to be considered
@Niall Ó Cofaigh: typos…”each stand in the Aviva is a social gathering”
Lads you’re getting serious mileage out of these photos from when we were playing Wales, would you not get out for a bit of fresh air and take more photos? You’d swear the FAI was a patronage of Prince Charles.
If somehow only LOI was on I wonder could it help attendances. Bar 1 or 2 exceptions clubs would be delighted to have 5,000 at the gate. I’ve watched a marble run recently would love to see any sport at this stage
Should be plenty of room in loi stadiums for social distance, bar maybe Turners Cross and Tallaght…
We know there not good with figures but for fcuk sake 4999 is OK 5000 is not
Just let in Season ticket holders for a start
That would keep it under the 5000