The FAI has confirmed that the start of the 2021 League of Ireland Premier Division season is being deferred until mid-March at the earliest.
Association officials met with the National League Executive Committee on Saturday – the body which features five clubs elected to represent all 19 teams – and a decision was reached to move the start date for the Premier Division until after St Patrick’s Day.
The First Division date has been changed to 26 March.
League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon said in a letter to clubs that FAI staff will meet their board shortly to decide on what approach to take when seeking funding from the government.
The pandemic-interrupted 2020 season was only able to resume at the end of July following lengthy discussions on format and a financial package which was in the region of €2m.
There is still no confirmation of a title sponsor for the 2021 League of Ireland season.
SSE Airtricity’s contract as title sponsor for the league was due to run out last year – although the FAI was keen to persuade the electricity supplier to extend its sponsorship for another season.
