FAI suspends all football activity across Ireland

The FAI confirmed on Thursday evening that all football under its jurisdiction is to cease until March 29th as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. 

This follows directives from government, the Department of Health and UEFA. The European governing body for football meanwhile is due to meet next Tuesday.

UEFA have invited representatives of its 55 member associations, together with the boards of the European Club Association and the European Leagues and a representative of FIFPro, to attend meetings by videoconference to discuss a response to the outbreak. 

The announcement means a halt has been placed on SSE Airtricity League games, rather than forcing them behind closed doors. 

Earlier in the day the FAI cancelled Friday's planned Republic of Ireland squad announcement by Mick McCarthy for the Euro 2020 playoff with Slovakia.

That match, which earlier in the week had been announced as due to be played behind closed doors, is likely to be postponed. 

Slovakia have already requested that the game on March 26th be postponed as a result of severe travel restrictions in and out of that territory. The fate of that game in Bratislava is likely to be determined at Tuesday’s UEFA meeting.

On the termination of domestic activities, the FAI statement read:

"The FAI made this decision after a meeting in Dublin today with Government, the Department of Health and stakeholders from other national sporting bodies.

The decision has been taken in light of the growing threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak and in the best interests of our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and staff. This decision will be monitored on an ongoing basis."

The FAI again met with representatives from the National League Executive Committee and the Professional Footballer’s Association of Ireland today, and continues to work with both bodies to help our clubs and players through this difficult time.

The FAI remains in communication with the Department of Health and UEFA on COVID-19 and will continue to follow all government guidelines.” 

In the light of ongoing developments in the spread of Covid-19, UEFA has invited various stakeholders to discuss European football’s response to the outbreak.

Discussions will include all domestic and European competitions, including UEFA EURO 2020.

Full statement:

— UEFA (@UEFA) March 12, 2020

Additional reporting by Macdara Ferris