Covid 19 - LOI Ramifications

[El-Pietro]

Survival of clubs is obviously top priority for LOI and hopefully all clubs get through this. But no way this is going to be cleared up by March 29th ... so where does this leave this season. Mass gatherings will be the last thing to get back to normal and if this goes on for a good few months there will have to be some decisions made. There is literally a handful of games played by each team so they might restart the season with a two-week pre-season and a reduced number of games (home and away!). They could chop a series of games off the season either if it doesn't go on too long.

I'd genuinely bet against there being any football in Ireland before August. If this drags on long enough we might be looking at a cancelled season.
In the UK and other European leagues it makes more sense to finish the current season out even if that is at the expense of 2020/21. Liverpool are effectively champions already, Leeds and WBA etc are basically promoted and several teams are already basically relegated. You can't just end the season now though because some spots are still up for grabs and yo'dbe looking at years of lawsuits. To my mind it makes more sense to finish the season no matter how long it takes given how deep into them they are.

For us though? We're a handful of games in. Nothing is decided. Rovers off to a good start but a single injury to a key player could change that. I realise I'm probably somewhat biased as a cancellaiton of the season would benefit City on the pitch (though off field could have disastrous ramifications for all clubs, City included). The alternative is if it does take until July or August to play a shortened season (18 games rather than 36 in the PD) and then have a shortened offseason /start later in 2021. None of these is ideal. Christmas football would be fun though.

[Risteard]

With all the LOI social media initiatives, really think Ramblers are missing the boat. They should be running in-depth profiles of their under 19s team.

[D24Saint]

https://www.the42.ie/league-of-ireland-players-coronavirus-5050266-Mar2020/

[NeverFeltBetter]

I wonder if there will be a temptation to use the circumstances to switch back to winter football?

[The Lilywhites]

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/league-ireland-season-could-scrapped-21716878.amp?__twitter_impression=true

June 6th reported to be the revised date for the earliest return. From March 13th to June 6th is a total of 16 league games missed out on. Possible 18 game season mentioned in the article too or the season scrapped completely - where would that leave European competition and money.

Worrying times.

[Mr A]

D-Day. Kind of appropriate in that we'll all be waiting hard for it but a lot of us maybe won't make it through.

[D24Saint]

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/league-ireland-season-could-scrapped-21716878.amp?__twitter_impression=true

June 6th reported to be the revised date for the earliest return. From March 13th to June 6th is a total of 16 league games missed out on. Possible 18 game season mentioned in the article too or the season scrapped completely - where would that leave European competition and money.

Worrying times.

Very worrying times. A layoff of that length combined with a reduction of games will definitely send some clubs to the wall and the nuclear option of canceling the league this year isnt worth even contemplating.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Cancelling the league would be an unmitigated disaster for all clubs unless the government, FAI, or UEFA said they'd come out and pay the wages of all players for the season. Even the ones that survive would lose more money than its worth thinking about.

Playing some games would be better than playing none. Even with less games clubs could cut their losses with good marketing increasing crowds at those games. You'd imagine some clubs would still need loans to keep going in the meantime at least. Obviously likes of Bohs and Dundalk who are close to capacity most weeks anyway would have less room for an increase in crowds but I'm sure they could find other avenues to gain extra income with some smart marketing.

[seand]

I don't understand the talk of cancelling the season at all, and while there is obviously a massive problem with the current lack of games getting this season done should not pose any problem to the LoI. The winter leagues like England are under pressure to get leagues finished before contracts expire (generally at end of June) and to decide on Champions/Europa League qualifiers for 2020-21. Euro qualification is s all sorted for us. And there's nothing really stopping us just extending the season into November, December even January. Of course we'd have to rework contracts etc, but time is on our side, certainly relative to the winter leagues.

[redobit]

Sligo Rovers have today reached the extremely difficult decision to implement temporary layoffs for all management, players and administration staff due to the shutdown of the League of Ireland for the past two weeks and foreseeable future.

More here:

https://www.sligorovers.com/club-statement-update-from-management-committee/ (https://www.sligorovers.com/club-statement-update-from-management-committee/)

[RathfarnhamHoop]

https://twitter.com/McDonnellDan/status/1240625280978489345?s=19

Important to note that 25k is a to date number so might increase further

[John83]

D-Day. Kind of appropriate in that we'll all be waiting hard for it but a lot of us maybe won't make it through.
That and an overcrowded beach is likely to result in a lot of fatalities.

[D24Saint]

That and an overcrowded beach is likely to result in a lot of fatalities.

That’s something like Nostradamus would say about the league having too many clubs.

[Martinho II]

https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.longfordleader.ie%2Fnews %2Fsoccer%2F527315%2Fcoronavirus-hitting-sport-hard-as-longford-town-fc-suspend-payment-to-players-and-staff.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2ZQ_0g8eT2Tjau6u92vrConf YXsS2jYfu7p_sdjTjf5dgtTUG1LA2WyMA%23.XnNxYJnswUE.t witter&h=AT0qiy-IBA-k3N5FeH8iBqF38AI_Vc_2ZQIKtkRnVjU_ysKFwhDtL-j5mXFByssCIZXiQSvo4iQUT-EC1d7hLv1pyyykSyjEbDW9JeuA9Wp6Ojec6eOTmLHqiY8aaLTd xw

[nigel-harps1954]

I think the sensible thing to do here is to expect a league season to start again around July, scrapping the League Cup. Play through to January, and have the following season starting at the end of March/start of April again. You could scrap the final round of games and play a 27 game season in that timeframe, albeit with four or five midweek rounds.

Alternatively, there's a 22 game season that could be played out, with a split after 18 games into top 5, bottom 5, playing four more games against those teams.

All of this depends on how strict we get with lockdowns and testing though.

[D24Saint]

I think the sensible thing to do here is to expect a league season to start again around July, scrapping the League Cup. Play through to January, and have the following season starting at the end of March/start of April again. You could scrap the final round of games and play a 27 game season in that timeframe, albeit with four or five midweek rounds.

Alternatively, there's a 22 game season that could be played out, with a split after 18 games into top 5, bottom 5, playing four more games against those teams.

All of this depends on how strict we get with lockdowns and testing though.

As in scratching the current one and starting again in a new format ?

[nigel-harps1954]

As in scratching the current one and starting again in a new format ?

Consider what's already played to be a pre-season tournament and award Shamrock Rovers a little trophy.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Makes absolutely no sense to simultaneously talk about shortening the league due to lack of time to play games and discarding games already played. That's just counterproductive.

[nigel-harps1954]

Makes absolutely no sense to simultaneously talk about shortening the league due to lack of time to play games and discarding games already played. That's just counterproductive.

Genuinely, I'd pick up where we left off with 4-5 games played each.

The previous post was tongue in cheek.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Genuinely, I'd pick up where we left off with 4-5 games played each.

The previous post was tongue in cheek.

Got that but it has been a serious suggestion in some places which doesn't make sense any way you look at it

[D24Saint]

It would only make sense in the scenario of only having the time for two series of fixtures one home & one away.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

It would only make sense in the scenario of only having the time for two series of fixtures one home & one away.

Still doesn't make sense because it's not like teams have played each other 3 times already

[The Lilywhites]

https://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/news/sse-airtricity-league-targets-june-19-resumption-date/id-3191

Possibly ambitious but new schedule has a 27 game season in the Premier Division - losing the final series.

In Dundalk's case that would mean losing 5 home games including one against Rovers and means we finish the season away from home now.

Big hole in all clubs budgets. Also seriously devalues a season ticket - most loyal fans won't care about that (still 2 'free' games on overall price in our case) but bound to cause annoyance and hassle across all clubs.

[El-Pietro]

Means we play Dundalk and Rovers home once and away twice. Difficult from a financial point of view and in a sporting sense.

[D24Saint]

https://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/news/sse-airtricity-league-targets-june-19-resumption-date/id-3191

Possibly ambitious but new schedule has a 27 game season in the Premier Division - losing the final series.

In Dundalk's case that would mean losing 5 home games including one against Rovers and means we finish the season away from home now.

Big hole in all clubs budgets. Also seriously devalues a season ticket - most loyal fans won't care about that (still 2 'free' games on overall price in our case) but bound to cause annoyance and hassle across all clubs.

Unfortunately there will always tight fisted gits looking for a discount off the following seasons ticket or a refund.

[nigel-harps1954]

We're still looking at 3 midweek rounds in that. Not ideal for First Division clubs especially if they go on with the 27 games.

In Harps case, we also lose 5 home games. 4 of our last 6 games will now be away from home, including trips to Cork and Waterford.

In terms of season tickets, those who bought early bird prices will now be saving two euro. Those who bought regular price will be losing out on a tenner. I'm sure season ticket holders won't complain about it though given the financial strain on the club.

European schedules could play havoc. FAI will have to insist on Sunday afternoon games.

We now have 11 home games left until the end of the season in December. Even presuming we suspend payments to players, they'll need to come back in start of June for another 'pre-season', so we'll be looking at paying players for around 27 weeks. That's going to be incredibly difficult, especially when losing out on 5 home games, including one against Derry, which would be a bumper crowd, naturally.

Really wish they'd pushed the fixtures out another couple of weeks until the start of January. Everyone would have got a bit of a bump in crowds over Christmas and could have looked at St Stephens Day derby games.

[D24Saint]

Really wish they'd pushed the fixtures out another couple of weeks until the start of January. Everyone would have got a bit of a bump in crowds over Christmas and could have looked at St Stephens Day derby games.

Definitely it should have been considered.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Off top of my head Rovers only lose four home games (Pats, Derry, Sligo and Bohs) but that's Bohs home game is a big one to lose on gate receipts alone.

Would have loved if they'd just pushed the league out an extra week, got rid of a midweek round, and then pushed the cup out so we had a Stephens Day final, which would have also got rid of another midweek round.

[total hoofball]

Really wish they'd pushed the fixtures out another couple of weeks until the start of January. Everyone would have got a bit of a bump in crowds over Christmas and could have looked at St Stephens Day derby games.
Yes that's definitely a reason but another one is our weather during November/December, alot of games will be postponed which will cause problems on title/relegation run-ins. I can only presume the clubs will agree to just put up with rescheduling matches to be played immediately within 24/48 hours because that headache would be nothing compared to what they're experiencing now

[The Lilywhites]

https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2020/03/21/cork-city-fc-club-statement/

Cork as expected, although seems some staff will still be paid.

Harps likely next? Will everyone bar Dundalk and Rovers (both for now) follow suit over the next week?

[mrtndvn]

The longer it goes on the more Dundalk's cash reserves get depleted.

"What ever happened that 2 million cash reserve Dundalk had?'

'Someone licked a bat in China'

[DCWA]

https://www.corkcityfc.ie/home/2020/03/21/cork-city-fc-club-statement/

Cork as expected, although seems some staff will still be paid.

Harps likely next? Will everyone bar Dundalk and Rovers (both for now) follow suit over the next week?

Derry also likely to keep things intact.


https://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/derry-city-strong-financial-position-tackle-coronavirus-crisis-denis-bradley-2483073

[nigel-harps1954]

Derrys chairman was practically paying the wages anyway so makes little difference to them. There's not many clubs that'll be able to do the same.

[elatedscum]

Derrys chairman was practically paying the wages anyway so makes little difference to them. There's not many clubs that'll be able to do the same.

Well, the UK government are paying 80% of workers wages, up to £2500 per month. Meanwhile clubs south of the border are expected to cover more or less everything currently. The government here should really start a similar scheme

[D24Saint]

Well, the UK government are paying 80% of workers wages, up to £2500 per month. Meanwhile clubs south of the border are expected to cover more or less everything currently. The government here should really start a similar scheme

Forgot that , Derry not missing a good chance to produce a bit of spin it seems.

[DCWA]

Ah now that statement is from before that was announced so hardly Derry spinning it although obviously it is now a massive help.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

I wonder with the rejigging of fixtures will they try keep as many the same dates as possible or will they just push everything back as much as possible.

If they try keep as many dates the same as possible you could end up with clubs having the same fixtures very close together. For example Rovers last home game was Dundalk and the next home game in that situation could well be Dundalk.

[The Lilywhites]

March 13th fixtures will now go to June 19th and so on, surely.

Cup weekends obviously remaining the same if the final date is unchanged.

Again, I'd say June 19th is being optimistic and if they were more confident about it they might have issued a revised fixture list?

[D24Saint]

March 13th fixtures will now go to June 19th and so on, surely.

Cup weekends obviously remaining the same if the final date is unchanged.

Again, I'd say June 19th is being optimistic and if they were more confident about it they might have issued a revised fixture list?

It is optimistic and they have all but admitted that fact, with the something to aim to line. The elephant in the room is what happens if that date becomes no longer achievable to get the league back going.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Bohs announce they'll honour all contracts. Not that surprising considering they're probably at the lower end of the league for individual matchday income in the Premier division due to the high number or season tickets and memberships. The thing that could hurt them is the extended season though but European money should help with that.

[Nesta99]

Is that a compliment to Bohs RH? This covid situation is not just having an impact on society but on the old norms also!?

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Is that a compliment to Bohs RH? This covid situation is not just having an impact on society but on the old norms also!?

Not a compliment or a slight it's just a statement of fact (some of us are capable of doing that). Bohs sold a high percentage of their capacity as season tickets and membership, probably what you could call making the best of a bad situation.

[ToberonaTornado]

Lets not get carried away here.
This is an emergency and a very,VERY fluid situation pertains in Ireland.Speculating on dates on LOI return is not an aim.Return to normal might be.
If the FAI abandons season 2020 so be it.No scorn on them should be attached.
On Mothers day we spoke to our Mums through skype and on FB time.Times we're living in,we have to embrace this mf'r convid and see it through despite all.
Good look to everyone.

[Nesta99]

Not a compliment or a slight it's just a statement of fact (some of use are capable of doing that). Bohs sold a high percentage of their capacity as season tickets and membership, probably what you could call making the best of a bad situation.

Oh lighten up... It was a tongue in cheek comment - old emnities are very much put in context these days!

(I can be of use occasionally)

[John83]

we have to embrace this mf'r convid
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DA1MaIdXYAACvbj.jpg

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Lets not get carried away here.
This is an emergency and a very,VERY fluid situation pertains in Ireland.Speculating on dates on LOI return is not an aim.Return to normal might be.
If the FAI abandons season 2020 so be it.No scorn on them should be attached.
On Mothers day we spoke to our Mums through skype and on FB time.Times we're living in,we have to embrace this mf'r convid and see it through despite all.
Good look to everyone.

Nobody is getting carried away, it's pretty clear everyone is talking about the potential return date fully aware of the huge astrix beside it. We're not doctors or medical experts, we're random people on the Internet that want to talk about LOI so obviously that's what we're going to talk about here. Everyone knows that it's not the priority but you don't have to focus on the priority 24/7.
Financially though abandoning the league is just putting a bullet in every single club in the county, and I include Rovers and Dundalk in that. Might not kill those two but it would come very close at least. Abandoning a league at professional level never makes sense for anyone involved. It'll have to be finished in some form one way or another.

[nigel-harps1954]

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/cash-lifeline-for-league-of-ireland-clubs-989481.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Potential lifeline for LOI clubs.

[Nesta99]

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/cash-lifeline-for-league-of-ireland-clubs-989481.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

Potential lifeline for LOI clubs.

As Bohs have publicly stated that they will continue to pay staff will that mean that they wouldnt be eligible for government assistance as there are no job losses at the club? Should backtrack quickly before such legislation is passed and save a big chunk of their cash reserve!

[sbgawa]

As Bohs have publicly stated that they will continue to pay staff will that mean that they wouldnt be eligible for government assistance as there are no job losses at the club? Should backtrack quickly before such legislation is passed and save a big chunk of their cash reserve!

Too late to backtrack , the revenue miss nothing :)

[oriel]

Dundalk committed to paying wages during C-19, although you would wonder if there is a limit if it escalates past June.

https://www.dundalkfc.com/a-message-from-the-board-of-directors/