League of Ireland clubs receive document on behind closed doors return  

The FAI, along with the National League Executive Committee and the PFAI, have presented a working document to all SSE Airtricity League clubs and match officials on a return to football behind closed doors.

The working paper has been drafted following a video conference between all three parties yesterday (Tuesday) when the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland (PFAI) submitted a high-level paper prepared by their world governing body, FIFPRO, on protocols around player safety.

Those recommendations have now been incorporated into the FAI’s working document - entitled ‘Return To Football – Behind Closed Doors’ - around best practice for the staging of matches when senior Irish football gets the green light to resume action from the Health Service Executive (HSE).

This document incorporates all elements around the safe staging of games behind closed doors to ensure the health and safety of players, match officials and club employees and volunteers. All clubs have been asked to assess the document and return their views to the working group.

NLEC chairperson Noel Byrne said: “This working document is the next step in assessing what is best for Irish football if the HSE and the Government give the green light for a return to action, but behind closed doors. The document is the produce of very fruitful, positive and considered talks between the NLEC, the FAI and the PFAI.

“It is vital that we examine what is needed in the event of games going on in closed stadiums, from a health and safety perspective for all stakeholders and from a financial aspect as far as the clubs are concerned. This document, produced by all stakeholders working together, presents options to the clubs and we look forward to their views when they have had a chance to study the document.”

PFAI General Secretary Stephen McGuinness said: “We welcome the opportunity to be part of this very important debate in these difficult times for Irish football. Our players are keen to support the efforts of the FAI and the NLEC to examine a return to football in a manner that is safe for all involved be they players, match officials or club staff.

“The FIFPRO document is a high-level recommendation and the FAI have put together the fine details of what playing behind closed doors looks like for all concerned. This is very much a work in progress with all stakeholders working together towards the best solution possible for our game in the event of a closed doors recommendation from the HSE and Government.”

The FAI and the NLEC remain committed to looking at alternative income streams for SSE Airtricity League clubs in the event of a return to league action behind closed doors, with live streaming opportunities under discussion.