Tyrone has announced that they won't be able to field a team in next Saturday's rescheduled All-Ireland final against Kerry.
A Covid-19 crisis in the Red Hand camp has left them having to pull out of the last four clash at Croke Park.
But it remains to be seen if the GAA will further postpone the match to give the Ulster champions further recovery time, or if Munster champions Kerry will be given a bye into the final.
Tyrone had requested a two-week postponement of their clash with the Kingdom due to a number of Covid cases in the squad.
But GAA chiefs granted just a six-day deferment, re-fixing the game for next Saturday, August 21.
Now Tyrone GAA has dramatically moved to state their current position: "This morning, the Tyrone GAA Management Committee has decided that it is not in a position to field its senior football team in the rescheduled All-Ireland football championship semi-final in Croke Park, on next Saturday.
"Having received expert medical opinion on the existing, and future health and welfare of the players who contracted the Covid-19 virus during the period of this last two weeks, and following consultation with the team’s management, this decision has been made with the greatest reluctance, and with deep regret.
"It is acknowledged that the decision taken will cause major disappointment and significant inconvenience for the Association, in general, the GAA fraternity of Kerry, and especially for Tyrone’s patrons and supporters, but the welfare and safety of players has been the over-riding factor in all considerations of this difficult situation."
Kerry released a statement on Saturday, saying: "We became aware of today’s announcement by Tyrone GAA at the same time as everyone else. Subsequently the GAA has issued a statement which indicates their intention to meet and issue a response.
"When this response is made known, Kerry GAA will be in a position to issue a further statement on the matter."
Get the latest headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
