FAi welcomes government announcement a parent or guardian may attend football matches and training sessions

The Football Association of Ireland has warmly greeted the government’s announcement that a parent or guardian will now be able to accompany underage players to matches and training sessions.

There has been widespread confusion since Tuesday’s announcement that all outdoor and indoor events would see a tightening of restrictions owing to the recent rise in positive Covid-19 cases.

The number of new cases daily remains in three figures – with 136 new cases and one death confirmed today – largely emanating from meat processing plants and overcrowded Direct Provision centres.

All football matches must now be played behind closed doors with no spectators allowed – many clubs had gradually opened up to allow some season ticket holders physically-distanced access.

The restriction of outdoor gatherings to just 15 people means that, in many cases, squads will have to train in separate groups.

This led to worries that parents and guardians wouldn’t be allowed to remain present during training and matches, but the government has belatedly announced this won’t be the case.

“The Football Association of Ireland welcomes tonight’s announcement by the Government that one parent or guardian can now accompany a player under the age of 18 to a football match or training session,” read an FAI statement.

“The FAI has been in talks with government agencies on the new guidelines for our sport since they were announced on Tuesday and will now publish updated Safer Return to Play and Safer Return to Training Protocols on Friday.”