Irish League clubs will hold crunch talks this evening in a bid to end the ongoing impasse over how to finish the 2019/20 season.
UEFA’s decision to double down on a August 3 deadline for European nominees effectively means the campaign has to be concluded inside the next 48 days.
And that means it is increasingly unlikely a proposal to play the remaining seven games of the Premiership can be entertained by the Irish FA.
A majority of clubs were keen to fulfill all remaining games in August or September, but privately some chairmen accept that won’t now be possible.
Ironically, the two options dismissed by at least nine of 12 top-flight clubs last week could be back on the table ahead of tonight’s virtual meeting of the Premiership Committee.
NIFL’s preferred option is to play two more rounds of league fixtures behind closed doors from July or decide the table by a mathematical model.
Crusaders chairman Ronnie Millar remains optimistic that a solution can be found with the NIFL board also set to discuss the matter at the start of next week.
Millar said: “I am confident a resolution will be found in the coming days. All clubs might not like the final decision, but we will all have to accept what happens.
“Clubs are aware of UEFA's announcement and there will now be more talks on the best way forward in terms of the current season.”
The sharing of European money remains a major sticking point and it remains to be seen if dividing the £1m is still an option following the latest developments.
It is thought the champions may be asked to play a Champions League preliminary mini-tournament in Nyon, with semi finals and final on August 8 and 11.
The winners advance to a one-legged first qualifying round tie on August 18/19, while the two Europa League qualifiers will play one-legged ties on August 20.
The Irish FA remains keen to complete the Irish Cup - which would provide one of our Europa League qualifiers - behind closed doors before August 3.
Linfield lie four points above Coleraine at the top of the Premiership, with Institute in the relegation spot.
