Jonathan Hill says the FAI were braced for UEFA pulling the plug on Ireland’s Under-19 Euro hopes.
European football’s governing body this week cancelled the 2021 women’s and men’s Under-19 championships because of the Covid pandemic.
Various travel restrictions across European countries were cited as being too problematic for travelling teams.
Tom Mohan’s young charges were due to play Estonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Poland in Longford next month.
And Dave Connell’s women’s team were due to be in Greece in early April to play England, Greece and Kosovo.
But those games fell by the wayside earlier this week and, back in December, UEFA also called off the Under-17 men and women’s Euros.
“It’s unfortunate that no youth competitions can take place but the health and safety of young athletes must be prioritised,” said a UEFA spokesman.
And FAI chief executive Hill said today: “This is disappointing but not unexpected news for Tom Mohan, Dave Connell and their players.
“We respect the UEFA decision and we will work closely with UEFA and the Government to facilitate a return for our underage international teams as soon as it is feasible.”
