The NI Football League’s two option approach to ending the season hit the buffers on Thursday night with a majority of Irish League clubs eager to conclude the season in its entirety.
The Danske Bank Premiership was scheduled to vote on NIFL’s proposals earlier in the day ahead of informing UEFA on Friday.
But those plans were detonated when the process was delayed and clubs held a “passionate” meeting to tease out alternative route maps last night.
The end result? NIFL’s two options - to play two more rounds of fixtures next month or decide the table by a mathematical model - effectively kicked into touch.
Clubs are eager to play the remaining seven fixtures later in the year and discuss the redistribution of European prize money amongst the 12 top flight clubs.
One option of satisfying UEFA’s desire for European nominees would be to rewind the table to 22 games when clubs had played each other home and away.
It is understood Cliftonville would qualify for the Champions League in that scenario but wouldn’t be declared champions, with Linfield and Glentoran in the Europa League spots.
Crusaders chairman Ronnie Millar said: “It was a very passionate meeting, but the consensus is to finish the season by playing the remaining seven league fixtures.
“We want to play them with fans or some fans in attendance, and finish it when we can, depending on advice from the Northern Ireland Executive.
“I believe the framework is in place to move forward and the basis is there to hold further discussions on how we finish the season.”
While Thursday was billed as a deadline to inform UEFA of exact plans to end the season, clubs believe a simple resolution that they want to conclude the campaign will suffice.
There is also a growing belief UEFA may extend its August 3 deadline date to end domestic competition when it next meets on June 17.
Thursday night’s drama came on a day when local MLAs urged a briefing from the Irish FA on how it plans to end the season.
Political intervention came after Crusaders wrote to Health Minister Robin Swann voicing concerns that NIFL’s proposals would breach current COVID-19 guidelines.
Members of Stormont’s Communities committee want clarification from the IFA on how the season would end and the impact on members of staff placed on furlough.
On NIFL’s preferred option to play two games at the end of July, Crusaders chairman Millar added: “Playing two games behind closed doors would cripple clubs financially.
"There is also the health and safety aspect for players and officials to consider."
When local football was suspended 13 weeks ago, Linfield led Coleraine by four points with seven games to play.
The Irish Cup is paused at the semi-final stage.
