When will Irish football return? News and updates amid Covid-19 suspension

Football in Ireland is likely to be the first major sport to make a comeback as the FAI plot a return to action.

With government plans indicating that partial contact sports such as football can be played from July 20, football is best suited to make a return.

And with the GAA's cautious approach meaning their plans are sidelined until later this year, the FAI hope to be in a position to play out most of their competitions from August - as well as a potential earlier return for a few clubs dining on the top table.

Here's what we know about when Irish football can potentially return.

Four-team tournament

A view of Tallaght Stadium (©INPHO/Ryan Byrne)

 

Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Derry City were invited to compete in a four-team tournament by the FAI last Friday.

It's designed to prepare the teams for Champions League and Europa League qualifiers, but will also act as a test drive for return to play behind-closed-doors.

It is envisaged that the competition - which cannot be played until July 20 at the earliest under Government directives - will be staged over two weekends.

The Aviva Stadium as well as Tallaght Stadium are in the running to host the tournament.

League of Ireland return

Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Derry City have the green light to resume training on June 8, with the rest of the league returning on June 29.

However, no official plan is in place for the return of both the Premier or First Division as of yet.

All other levels of Irish football

A general view of football (©INPHO/James Crombie)

 

After initially suspending all football activity back on March 12, the FAI have now decided to extend this to July 20, in line phase four of the Government’s gradual reopening of Ireland is due to kick in.

The plan is to allow, subject to FAI protocols being introduced, clubs resume training programmes from that date.

Until then, clubs have been advised to keep facilities and pitches closed, with the exception of League of Ireland clubs' planned early return to training.

However, it is stated that a return to collective training will likely not be allowed until August 10 with games then able to begin on August 28.