FAI highlights three key issues around return to football
The Football Association of Ireland’s Steering Group has highlighted three key areas around return to play protocols for the amateur adult and underage game to be discussed in planned high-level talks with Government officials later this week.
The FAI Steering Group met again on Monday to discuss the conditions necessary to facilitate a safe and timely return for all amateur adult and underage players, match officials and volunteers.
The latest meeting followed further consultation with stakeholders in the wake of the publication of the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Talks are scheduled between Government and sporting NGBs later this week with the FAI delegation to seek guidance on the following issues
• A clear policy to manage all risks for volunteers around a return to play and to ensure a safe environment for all participants
• Clarity on the effects of social distancing on contact sport as per the phases outlined in the Government’s Roadmap
• Guidance on the infrastructural costs for amateur adult and underage clubs around safe return to play protocols
Steering Group Facilitator Ger McDermott said: “We await this week’s meeting with Government, having submitted a series of key questions to Sport Ireland around a safe return to play for everyone involved in amateur adult and underage football.
“We again advise all affiliates to postpone any decisions on a return to training or football until after these talks with Government later this week. The Steering Group will then meet to consider the outcome of that meeting.
“Only then can we issue clear guidelines to our clubs, leagues and all affiliates on a safe return to training and playing. We thank them all for their patience to date and for continuing to abide by HSE guidelines.”
