There are growing indications that the 2020 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division will resume at the end of July.
Protracted negotiations between the FAI and the League of Ireland clubs are continuing – but it’s understood that a deal is close – and there could be announcement as soon as this Friday.
The revised season would be shortened with Premier Division teams playing 18 league matches (instead of 36). That fixture list would include the games already played prior to the outbreak of Covid-19.
The season would re-start from July 31st and would finish by the end of October.
It appears that the FAI financial package for clubs has improved sufficiently for a return to play this season.
It’s understood that the FAI Cup would also be played this year under the revised schedule.
However, there are still some outstanding issues to be resolved with some of the clubs – as negotiations with FAI officials continue.
Understand that clubs in LOI Premier Division will be told that they face relegation if they decide against returning to play this year – that’s a change in tone from previous discussions. Should be an interesting 24 hours or so.
— Daniel McDonnell (@McDonnellDan) June 25, 2020
Former Sligo Rovers captain and manager Gavin Dykes spoke to Ocean FM Sport’s Austin O’Callaghan about the league’s potential return:
