FAI suspends all games apart from 'elite football'

The FAI has announced the cessation of all adult amateur and underage football matches - with the exception of elite football - from midnight last night (Tuesday).

The decision comes following the Government’s introduction of Level 3 Covid-19 restrictions across the country.

The 'elite football' exception covers the SSE Airtricity League, the Women’s National League and all five underage national leagues.

However, matches in the Combined Counties FL , the Midlands Schoolboy League and the Leinster Senior League - which involve several Offaly clubs - are suspended until further notice.

Adult amateur and non-elite underage clubs can continue to train under non-contact conditions as per the Government guidelines outlined in the 'Living with Covid-19' plan, and in conjunction with the updated FAI Safer Return to Training Protocol.

Coaches and players are not permitted to leave their resident county for training with adult amateur and non-elite underage teams.

The FAI said it will continue to monitor Government guidelines and will update the cessation order as required. Further information is available on the FAI website.

It was also confirmed yesterday that a member of the backroom team with the Ireland international squad has tested positive for Coronavirus and, as a result, two other staff members are restricting their movements.

Ireland are preparing to face Slovakia in Thursday night's play-off semi-final as they try to qualify for the European Championships. The championships will now take place in 2021 having been postponed earlier this year.