First Division Clubs 'increasingly positive' about August return to action

First Division clubs are "increasingly positive" that they will return to competitive action in August.

It is already understood the second tier clubs will take a €40,000 share each if a financial package can be agreed.

While a FAI meeting with the Premier Division clubs was put back until Wednesday, the First Division clubs had an encouraging meeting with FAI bosses Gary Owens and Niall Quinn today.

In a statement released this evening, the First Division clubs said: "The engagement was open, honest and focused on achieving a solution that will be fair for all clubs whilst continually focusing on trying to get back to playing.

"Of course, some sacrifices will need to be made by everyone involved in the League, but our collective aim has to be return to playing whilst ensuring our clubs remain viable community entities.

"We are also optimistic that a solution can be found to enable our underage and women's teams to also return to league action.

"We are particularly mindful that youth and women's teams across the country are returning to training and we recognise the need to develop viable solutions for the season ahead".