Statement on behalf of the First Division Clubs of the League of Ireland

Monday 15th June 2020

The First Division Clubs had a very positive meeting with Gary Owens and Niall Quinn from the FAI this afternoon.

The engagement was open, honest and focused on achieving a solution that will be fair for all clubs whilst continually focusing on trying to get back to playing football.

As a group of clubs, we are increasingly positive about the possibility of returning to competitive action, hopefully in August. Of course, some sacrifices will need to be made by everyone involved in the League of Ireland, but our collective aim has to be to return to playing whilst ensuring our clubs remain viable community entities.

We are also optimistic that a solution can be found to enable our underage and women’s teams to also return to league action. We are particularly mindful that youth and women’s teams across the country are returning to training and we recognise the need to develop viable solutions for the season ahead.