The Danske Bank Premiership is set to be suspended for two weeks amid the ongoing threat of Covid-19.
The NI Football League announced on Friday evening that the season will be paused from 6pm tomorrow evening until January 23.
There are also plans to commence Covid-19 testing for players, coaches and officials ahead of the resumption of play in two weeks' time.
NIFL chiefs have come under increasing pressure to suspend the season after a number of players, managers and officials voiced their own concerns over the recent upsurge in coronavirus figures.
The NI Football Leage said in a statement on Friday night: "The NI Football League, with support from the Irish FA, has agreed to halt the Dankse Bank Premiership for three matchdays from 6pm on Saturday evening (9 January) until Saturday 23 January.
"Having considered views of membership and all key stakeholders the decision has been taken in light of the continued Covid-19 pandemic.
"Matches will be scheduled to resume on Saturday 23 January and prior to those games commencing Covid-19 testing for players, coaches and officials will be arranged to ensure a safe return to play.
"The three remaining Danske Bank Premiership matches scheduled for tomorrow (Saturday 9 January) will be played as scheduled."
Four of Saturday's six originally scheduled games have been postponed due to Covid-related issues.
Only the North Belfast derby and Warrenpoint Town vs Dungannon Swifts survived, with Carrick Rangers now hosting Coleraine in a rescheduled game.
