Covid 19 - LOI Ramifications

[D24Saint]

That's the solidarity funding I presume?

That could be a bigger issue - it'd affect every Premier team.

If that the UEFA equivalent of parachute payments in the English leagues ?

[oriel]

The 5000 people thing is a complete red herring for the LOI really,its not gonna be the reason why football is played or not here,it would also look pretty bad if every other social activity was banned and we had football going on......

Totall agree with this, for one min when I heard the 5k mentioned I was thinking maybe a chance as no more than 5 LOI games would probably exceed that in any season, then I immediately thought its really a benchmark not an exact limit, meaning just about any large attended event will not get the go ahead, GAA summer schedule, the usual summer concerts, other festivals etc.

Imagine also saying to your family, I'm away to wathc the Harps, Dundalk, Sligo etc, see you in 3 hours ! plus all of the other spots would be closed, bars and food places close to the ground, etc, its not happening lads.

[The Lilywhites]

Fair play to Pat's for going with a decision as it's clear that there'll be no LOI football this year.

Lots of silly talk about, including from the FAI CEO, after the government announcement yesterday which was totally unrelated to us. Does he really think Dalymount with effectively one stand or the likes of Finn Park or Oriel can open up safely in June or any time in 2020?

LOI facilities cannot in any way cope with a return for the foreseeable as social distancing will remain in place for a long time to come. Behind closed doors isn't really a runner here.

Time for the FAI, and everyone else concerned, to accept it as it is and put together a longer term plan. February 2021 should be the aim. Even that might be optimistic in hindsight.

Read somewhere that 12/13 of our players are out of contract at the end of this year. Why continue paying out silly wages when the league is almost certain not to be resumed? Unusually for a top team we have no real assets, in terms of potential sell on values, with the exception of maybe Leahy and Cleary, and nobody bar Rovers are going to pay silly wages, so by laying off players I wouldn't be too bothered about losing some completely if that were to happen.

That said, all this certainly leaves the 4 European clubs with headaches as UEFA may want to press ahead with their competitions behind closed doors if that was a possibility, although considering they want to complete the 2019/20 domestic and Euro seasons, when will the 2020/21 qualifiers even have a realistic chance of starting.

[D24Saint]

The 5000 people thing is a complete red herring for the LOI really,its not gonna be the reason why football is played or not here,it would also look pretty bad if every other social activity was banned and we had football going on......

Id say the 5K thing isn't for sports it could allow for the eventuality of an election being needed for instance. To allow the count centres to operate for example , that's the only non sports mass gathering I could see being needed ? The LOI is in dire straits with all this but so are theatres , cinemas etc. Most theatres are no better equipped to allow for any kind for gatherings in the near future than our stadiums, they are probably worse off fact.

[osarusan]

Bundesliga tentatively restarting behind closed doors on May 9th. Players back in training already.

But surely all it takes is one case of Covid-19 within 1 squad and the whole squad is quarantined for 2 weeks...along with maybe the squad of their opposition in the previous week or 2, messing up the already behind-schedule plans.

[D24Saint]

Bundesliga tentatively restarting behind closed doors on May 9th. Players back in training already.

But surely all it takes is one case of Covid-19 within 1 squad and the whole squad is quarantined for 2 weeks...along with may the squad of their opposition in the previous week or 2, messing up the already behind-schedule plans.

Good point , that's another reason our league resuming is a non runner. The only sport in Ireland for the rest of the year will be horse racing id say.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

If that the UEFA equivalent of parachute payments in the English leagues ?

Basically but its just uefa give the FAI the money and say do what you wish with it. Only condition is it must be used for "youth and development" football


Fair play to Pat's for going with a decision as it's clear that there'll be no LOI football this year.

There's absolutely nothing about this whole situation that is in any way clear, positive or negative.



Lots of silly talk about, including from the FAI CEO, after the government announcement yesterday which was totally unrelated to us. Does he really think Dalymount with effectively one stand or the likes of Finn Park or Oriel can open up safely in June or any time in 2020?

The CEO just said he wanted clarity on what mass gatherings of 5000 meant exactly and going by posts here it's clear to see that that's completely understandable.


LOI facilities cannot in any way cope with a return for the foreseeable as social distancing will remain in place for a long time to come. Behind closed doors isn't really a runner here.

First bit is pure speculation. Second is not true, it's really really not ideal but it is a possibility.



Time for the FAI, and everyone else concerned, to accept it as it is and put together a longer term plan. February 2021 should be the aim. Even that might be optimistic in hindsight.

Not how these things work



Read somewhere that 12/13 of our players are out of contract at the end of this year. Why continue paying out silly wages when the league is almost certain not to be resumed? Unusually for a top team we have no real assets, in terms of potential sell on values, with the exception of maybe Leahy and Cleary, and nobody bar Rovers are going to pay silly wages, so by laying off players I wouldn't be too bothered about losing some completely if that were to happen.

This whole paragraph is ridiculous



That said, all this certainly leaves the 4 European clubs with headaches as UEFA may want to press ahead with their competitions behind closed doors if that was a possibility, although considering they want to complete the 2019/20 domestic and Euro seasons, when will the 2020/21 qualifiers even have a realistic chance of starting.

Just about the only correct thing you managed to say in all that

[The Lilywhites]

There's absolutely nothing about this whole situation that is in any way clear, positive or negative.

It's pretty clear that there will be no football with crowds in the LOI this year. Anyone thinking otherwise is just hoping because we all need something to look forward to in these awful times. Not going to happen.


The CEO just said he wanted clarity on what mass gatherings of 5000 meant exactly and going by posts here it's clear to see that that's completely understandable.

What clarity? He said it presented "an opportunity" for the LOI. The announcement was basically nothing to do with the LOI.

In any case, take Oriel for example. Average 3,000 crowd give or take. How many could you realistically fit in with social distancing? 600-800? Max. How do you decide who gets a golden ticket?


First bit is pure speculation. Second is not true, it's really really not ideal but it is a possibility.

It's possible and it could happen but revenue wise it's going to generate very little or nothing, so can't see clubs going for it when it means paying out full wages. Not workable in this league unfortunately.


Not how these things work.

Nobody knows how these things work as it's never happened before but a June return is a complete non runner unless behind closed doors.


This whole paragraph is ridiculous.

Why? End of the day in our case it's up to the owners but makes no financial sense to continue firing out mad money weekly when there is no certainty on a return date. Football shouldn't be different to any other business.


Just about the only correct thing you managed to say in all that

Thanks.

[D24Saint]

It's pretty clear that there will be no football with crowds in the LOI this year. Anyone thinking otherwise is just hoping because we all need something to look forward to in these awful times. Not going to happen.

Its ok for supporters to hope for the best, but id like to think that there isn't a single club in the league working on the basis of wishful thinking. If any club doesn't cut its costs to the bare minimum soon , it wont be there to resume operations next January. Id say Rovers & Dundalk will be in the strongest position to bounce straight back next year but that also depends on how Uefa handle things.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

It's pretty clear that there will be no football with crowds in the LOI this year. Anyone thinking otherwise is just hoping because we all need something to look forward to in these awful times. Not going to happen.

And what's wrong with hoping for the best? You're not just talking about standard work, exclude fans and everyone else from it footballers aren't you're average workforce just cancelling a season with so long to go in it could have serious mental wellbeing repercussions for them.




What clarity? He said it presented "an opportunity" for the LOI. The announcement was basically nothing to do with the LOI.

An announcement about large gatherings being allowed has everything to do with the LOI



In any case, take Oriel for example. Average 3,000 crowd give or take. How many could you realistically fit in with social distancing? 600-800? Max. How do you decide who gets a golden ticket?


Oriel Park is not the standard to work off in any sense of the word



It's possible and it could happen but revenue wise it's going to generate very little or nothing, so can't see clubs going for it when it means paying out full wages. Not workable in this league unfortunately.


You can't see, that's different to it being a non runner. Have you much experience running football clubs?



Nobody knows how these things work as it's never happened before but a June return is a complete non runner unless behind closed doors.


Exactly nobody knows how these things work and that's exactly why blanket statement like just start planning for February are ridiculous



Why? End of the day in our case it's up to the owners but makes no financial sense to continue firing out mad money weekly when there is no certainty on a return date. Football shouldn't be different to any other business.

Ah yeah let's just ignore the human beings trying to support themselves and potentially families...
If the club can afford to they should pay players. Dundalk can.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Its ok for supporters to hope for the best, but id like to think that there isn't a single club in the league working on the basis of wishful thinking. If any club doesn't cut its costs to the bare minimum soon , it wont be there to resume operations next January. Id say Rovers & Dundalk will be in the strongest position to bounce straight back next year but that also depends on how Uefa handle things.

Clubs should be planning for all eventualities, if you only plan based off no football until February if it comes back sooner than expected youre fairly ****ed

[D24Saint]

Clubs should be planning for all eventualities, if you only plan based off no football until February if it comes back sooner than expected youre fairly ****ed

The majority of squads are made up home based players so they will keep themselves ticking over fitness wise on the off chance something can be sorted out. I reckon most LOI players are taking care of themselves in the current crisis and would be ready and willing to play if the opportunity arises, hopefully it does !

[RathfarnhamHoop]

The majority of squads are made up home based players so they will keep themselves ticking over fitness wise on the off chance something can be sorted out. I reckon most LOI players are taking care of themselves in the current crisis and would be ready and willing to play if the opportunity arises, hopefully it does !

There are far too many variables involved to just assume all players will keep themselves fit and available

[The Lilywhites]

And what's wrong with hoping for the best? You're not just talking about standard work, exclude fans and everyone else from it footballers aren't you're average workforce just cancelling a season with so long to go in it could have serious mental wellbeing repercussions for them.

Mental wellbeing is a major issue with all this, far beyond games of football, that's why we're being dripfed the bad news. When will you accept the season is done? By October when there's still no football? There's being hopeful and there's being realistic. Far more important things than football too.


An announcement about large gatherings being allowed has everything to do with the LOI.

It was to do with concerts and events that need licences to be applied for soon. Does he expect the government meant 4,999 can rock into Tallaght any time soon?


Oriel Park is not the standard to work off in any sense of the word.

Could go through all the grounds. Tallaght and Turner's Cross could maybe cater for it but even then are you going to have everyone sitting 3 seats apart? What's the capacity then? Was using Oriel as an example. Majority of LOI grounds are kips.


You can't see, that's different to it being a non runner. Have you much experience running football clubs?.

What revenue do behind closed doors games bring in? I'd love to know how that could work in the LOI...


Exactly nobody knows how these things work and that's exactly why blanket statement like just start planning for February are ridiculous.

I said a longer term plan should be put in place with a February restart in mind. Maybe that's already being done behind the scenes who knows. It has to be on the table as a discussion at this stage. It has more of a chance than June.


Ah yeah let's just ignore the human beings trying to support themselves and potentially families...
If the club can afford to they should pay players. Dundalk can.

Everyone's affected by this, there's over a million unemployed here now. Players aren't special cases. Rovers can afford to as well and they've made wage cuts (and don't come back with "that was the players' decision" bull). Pat's have seen what's coming and have acted appropriately.

[D24Saint]

There are far too many variables involved to just assume all players will keep themselves fit and available

Cant speak for every club but Ive heard SOD is giving our lads regimes and observing their progress through their StatSports equipment, not ideal but better than nothing.

[gufct]

I don’t think loi will start back in June or the end of August. Social distancing won’t work in the major of grounds.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Mental wellbeing is a major issue with all this, far beyond games of football, that's why we're being dripfed the bad news. When will you accept the season is done? By October when there's still no football? There's being hopeful and there's being realistic. Far more important things than football too.


When the seasons done I'll accept it but to go to someone and tell them that their job and something they love doing is done until February because you can't be arsed changing the plans every few weeks is absolutely ridiculous. There are more important things than football that's my while point, stop viewing these players as some sort of robot, they're humans.



It was to do with concerts and events that need licences to be applied for soon. Does he expect the government meant 4,999 can rock into Tallaght any time soon?

The fact you're asking the question means that the fact he's asking for clarity is valid



Could go through all the grounds. Tallaght and Turner's Cross could maybe cater for it but even then are you going to have everyone sitting 3 seats apart? What's the capacity then? Was using Oriel as an example. Majority of LOI grounds are kips.

Do you know what distancing measures are going to be in place in a month, nevermind a couple, no, exactly, so it's ridiculous to have statements like that




What revenue do behind closed doors games bring in? I'd love to know how that could work in the LOI...
Adverts, pay per view, half time lottos, basically all match day income but on a smaller scale




I said a longer term plan should be put in place with a February restart in mind. Maybe that's already being done behind the scenes who knows. It has to be on the table as a discussion at this stage. It has more of a chance than June.

Exactly, you haven't a ****ing clue what plans are or aren't in place, you're just being made aware of the most immediate ones at a time which is completely reasonable.



Everyone's affected by this, there's over a million unemployed here now. Players aren't special cases. Rovers can afford to as well and they've made wage cuts (and don't come back with "that was the players' decision" bull). Pat's have seen what's coming and have acted appropriately.

And for you players don't come under everyone? Other companies are being held to the same standards, if they can afford it employees are to be kept on, football clubs are no different, Dundalk can afford it so shouldn't pass the buck to the taxpayer to save themselves a few quid. Yeah facts are considered bull now are they because you don't like them? **** off.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Cant speak for every club but Ive heard SOD is giving our lads regimes and observing their progress through their StatSports equipment, not ideal but better than nothing.

I'd say most clubs are doing that but once they're laid off who's to say players that haven't been getting a look in will just start ignoring everything and look to move on when everything starts up? Be that to another club or another sector.

[D24Saint]

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0422/1134069-st-patricks-athletic/

Our club President spoke to RTÉ news.

[The Lilywhites]

When the seasons done I'll accept it but to go to someone and tell them that their job and something they love doing is done until February because you can't be arsed changing the plans every few weeks is absolutely ridiculous. There are more important things than football that's my while point, stop viewing these players as some sort of robot, they're humans.

Supporters enjoy the games just as much, and sometimes more, than players. It's affecting everyone involved. It's the hope that kills you. Why keep putting it off and off and off when we all know the LOI won't be returning with crowds this year. Stop the nonsense.


The fact you're asking the question means that the fact he's asking for clarity is valid.

I'm pointing out that it's utterly ridiculous that the FAI CEO chose to do a video interview which raised people's hopes when the government statement was nothing to do with the LOI. The government didn't exactly make a great job of that particular announcement. It left more questions than answers.


Do you know what distancing measures are going to be in place in a month, nevermind a couple, no, exactly, so it's ridiculous to have statements like that.

We've basically been told social distancing will be in place for the rest of 2020, and possibly 2021 too.


Adverts, pay per view, half time lottos, basically all match day income but on a smaller scale.

Adverts where, in an online match programme? If the PPV is anything like the pilot project last year then you won't have too many paying for it, no matter how desperate they are to watch their team. I don't see too many clubs doing lottos at the moment when it's something they could possibly do. Our one isn't even running now as far as I'm aware.

"Basically all match day income". What?

For Dundalk and Bohs especially, bar revenue is massive. Bars will be the last place to reopen.


Exactly, you haven't a ****ing clue what plans are or aren't in place, you're just being made aware of the most immediate ones at a time which is completely reasonable.

No need for the language. The only plan made public so far is June but it's just kicking the can down the road. Knowing how LOI clubs operate, June might be the only plan right now. Great if that makes you happy but it's just false hope. Not getting my hopes up because it would just be disappointment in the end.


And for you players don't come under everyone? Other companies are being held to the same standards, if they can afford it employees are to be kept on, football clubs are no different, Dundalk can afford it so shouldn't pass the buck to the taxpayer to save themselves a few quid. Yeah facts are considered bull now are they because you don't like them? **** off.

Dundalk have no income at the moment - what they have in the bank shouldn't come into the business decision. Lots of companies and businesses who have plenty of money in the coffers have done the same. We should be looking after the club itself, not who is currently on the wage list at the moment.

Players don't care about clubs, sorry to tell you. What if Dundalk turned around next January and said 'sorry we have to make a 25% cut', do you think that a player would hang about if Rovers offered his full wages, even after receiving all his 2020 money while at Oriel?

Again, no need for the language. Yes I'm sure Ronan Finn rounded up the gang and said 'lets take a 25% pay cut'. You're obviously one of the fans that fell for it. A good PR agreement, no doubt.


I'd say most clubs are doing that but once they're laid off who's to say players that haven't been getting a look in will just start ignoring everything and look to move on when everything starts up? Be that to another club or another sector.

So? Let them move on. Nobody is indispensable. These are exceptional times and people have to understand that and get on with it. Difficult decisions need to be made. Clubs should protect themselves, as Pat's have rightly done. They know what's coming.

[The Lilywhites]

Delegates from the FAI and the NLEC discussed the various options at length, including but not restricted to the following:

-> A resumption for the SSE Airtricity League behind closed doors on June 19th with the season to end no later than the end of December, a ‘behind closed doors’ policy to operate as long as HSE Guidelines recommend.

-> A resumption as planned on June 19th with stadium restrictions in line with HSE Guidelines including ‘behind closed doors’ and reduced capacity at 25% or 50%, the season to run until the end of December.

-> A resumption in July or August, based on Government advice and HSE guidelines.

-> A deferral of all National League activity until September with a reduced fixture programme season to run until the end of December.

-> A resumption of National League football in September with a full fixture programme season to run until the end of February 2021.

https://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/news/fai-nlec-explore-all-options-for-resumption-of-the-sse-airtricity-league/id-3276

The first one the most realistic of the 5? Can't see how behind closed doors is a viable option here.

[Martinho II]

Imo sometimes a break from football is a good thing for everyone including clubs and society. I do the stats part of our website and I know that in 1972 we were kicked out of the LSL and not only that we didnt have a home as we were evicted from the Greyhound track and were homeless.
The following year we didnt play football at all and eventually in 1974 we had to restart over again and started in the Leinster Junior League and started all over again and at a temporary ground and then eventually worked our way up.

It proved a turning point in our history. I for one dont mind the break one bit. Fair enough the club will be out of money but they have season ticket sales to live on but at least they wont have to pay for Gardai,insurance, etc.

I think we are better off writing the season completely if things dont move the way of the FAI by year end. Maybe we can do the winter football next year.

Look at what happened to Derry City out of senior football for 13 long years and had to go down the leagues. Cork didnt have a loi team for two years. Limerick can get their house in order and get back in football next year.

Allow this time to investigate the possibilities of an all island league and see if its feasible. That would be my priority imo. Other people may not agree with me but thats the way I would approach it.

Maybe a break from the football is better for all. More important things to worry about.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

MOD EDIT - RH KEEP IT CIVIL PLEASE



Supporters enjoy the games just as much, and sometimes more, than players. It's affecting everyone involved. It's the hope that kills you. Why keep putting it off and off and off when we all know the LOI won't be returning with crowds this year. Stop the nonsense.

How would you like it if your job and something you love and something that keeps you fit and healthy told you that you weren't allowed to do it until February today but it became clear that you could have resumed everything in July but plans had been made for February and it was too late. Ignoring the financial aspect the mental toll would be devastating.




I'm pointing out that it's utterly ridiculous that the FAI CEO chose to do a video interview which raised people's hopes when the government statement was nothing to do with the LOI. The government didn't exactly make a great job of that particular announcement. It left more questions than answers.


A statement on mass gatherings is everything to do with the LOI. And he was asked a direct question he didn't just blurt it out.



We've basically been told social distancing will be in place for the rest of 2020, and possibly 2021 too.


But we don't know in what form and basically told isn't worth the paper it's written on these days.




Adverts where, in an online match programme? If the PPV is anything like the pilot project last year then you won't have too many paying for it, no matter how desperate they are to watch their team. I don't see too many clubs doing lottos at the moment when it's something they could possibly do. Our one isn't even running now as far as I'm aware.

"Basically all match day income". What?
In the corners, along the bottom, before and after the match, at half time, ****ing tonnes of space and time for ads, like literally every single televised game and some.

They won't be anything like the pilot numbers last year and I think the reasons for that would be pretty obvious even for you.

Yeah match ball sponsorship, programmes, half time lotto, etc could all run easily.




For Dundalk and Bohs especially, bar revenue is massive. Bars will be the last place to reopen.

And? If your clubs relying on bar income you're in trouble, not exactly money making machines.




No need for the language. The only plan made public so far is June but it's just kicking the can down the road. Knowing how LOI clubs operate, June might be the only plan right now. Great if that makes you happy but it's just false hope. Not getting my hopes up because it would just be disappointment in the end.

REMOVED




Dundalk have no income at the moment - what they have in the bank shouldn't come into the business decision. Lots of companies and businesses who have plenty of money in the coffers have done the same. We should be looking after the club itself, not who is currently on the wage list at the moment.

What a company has in the bank shouldn't come into a discussion on its finances? Did you read that before you hit send?
No they haven't.



Players don't care about clubs, sorry to tell you. What if Dundalk turned around next January and said 'sorry we have to make a 25% cut', do you think that a player would hang about if Rovers offered his full wages, even after receiving all his 2020 money while at Oriel?


Employees don't have to care about employers, employers have a duty of care towards employees though



Again, no need for the language. Yes I'm sure Ronan Finn rounded up the gang and said 'lets take a 25% pay cut'. You're obviously one of the fans that fell for it. A good PR agreement, no doubt.

Again grow up.
And I've actually seen proof of it so yeah that's how it happened. May not be something you're interested in accepting but some people actually care about others unlike yourself seemingly.




So? Let them move on. Nobody is indispensable. These are exceptional times and people have to understand that and get on with it. Difficult decisions need to be made. Clubs should protect themselves, as Pat's have rightly done. They know what's coming.

Yeah and then as a club face the prospect of being told. The leagues restating in a month and you've 10 lads left, that makes sense

[The Lilywhites]

How would you like it if your job and something you love and something that keeps you fit and healthy told you that you weren't allowed to do it until February today but it became clear that you could have resumed everything in July but plans had been made for February and it was too late. Ignoring the financial aspect the mental toll would be devastating.

Don't see your point here. Hundreds of thousands of people are having to deal with being out of work with their job possibly gone for good. As I said before, players aren't special cases but you seem to think they are for some reason.


A statement on mass gatherings is everything to do with the LOI. And he was asked a direct question he didn't just blurt it out.

He was asked a direct question by the FAI's in-house media team. Totally different.


But we don't know in what form and basically told isn't worth the paper it's written on these days.

The 2m rule will stay in place for a long, long time.


In the corners, along the bottom, before and after the match, at half time, ****ing tonnes of space and time for ads, like literally every single televised game and some.

They won't be anything like the pilot numbers last year and I think the reasons for that would be pretty obvious even for you.

Yeah match ball sponsorship, programmes, half time lotto, etc could all run easily.

And? If your clubs relying on bar income you're in trouble, not exactly money making machines.

Lots of businesses are facing uncertain times, job cuts etc. Don't think LOI sponsorship on a blurry stream will be top of their list.

I'm not talking about the pilot numbers, I've no idea what they were. I mean the quality of service, one of the games cut off midway through fgs. That was by a 'professional' company. Imagine some clubs doing it themselves.


They're words grow the **** up or get off the Internet if they scare you.
Then don't get your hopes up be a pessimistic wee **** you're not important here the players and clubs are.

Yes, I'm scared. No need to use those words to make your point.

The clubs are important. Players are numbers and can be replaced.


What a company has in the bank shouldn't come into a discussion on its finances? Did you read that before you hit send?
No they haven't.

Yes they most certainly have. Liverpool furloughed staff in the UK before being shamed into a U-turn. Other EPL clubs have stuck with that scheme. Lots of successful businesses have done it here.


Employees don't have to care about employers, employers have a duty of care towards employees though

Generally if there's no work, you're let go.


Again grow up.
And I've actually seen proof of it so yeah that's how it happened. May not be something you're interested in accepting but some people actually care about others unlike yourself seemingly.

I'm sure.


Yeah and then as a club face the prospect of being told. The leagues restating in a month and you've 10 lads left, that makes sense

The season is a write off. See you in February.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

Don't see your point here. Hundreds of thousands of people are having to deal with being out of work with their job possibly gone for good. As I said before, players aren't special cases but you seem to think they are for some reason.

And everyones working on being able to work as soon as possible, not having to wait for a potentially much later date for absolutely no reason other than some peop seem to have a problem with having the date they can watch football again pushed back every so often.




He was asked a direct question by the FAI's in-house media team. Totally different.


Not different at all it's a question he'd have been asked no matter what journalists were there



The 2m rule will stay in place for a long, long time.


You an expert in the area now?



Lots of businesses are facing uncertain times, job cuts etc. Don't think LOI sponsorship on a blurry stream will be top of their list.

It's not about new sponsors, it's about not having to pay back existing deals.



I'm not talking about the pilot numbers, I've no idea what they were. I mean the quality of service, one of the games cut off midway through fgs. That was by a 'professional' company. Imagine some clubs doing it themselves.

One stream dropped once, stop the press ASAP get this on the front page...



The clubs are important. Players are numbers and can be replaced.


What a ****ing horrible way to talk about a human being



Yes they most certainly have. Liverpool furloughed staff in the UK before being shamed into a U-turn. Other EPL clubs have stuck with that scheme. Lots of successful businesses have done it here.


Shamed into a uturn is the point there. And the UK furlough scheme isn't available here so thats an apple's and oranges comparison




I'm sure.


LOI isn't a big family, doesn't take many conversations to know someone who knows someone.



The season is a write off. See you in February.

[The Lilywhites]

It's called life. You seem to have a weird view of the world.

Can't be bothered replying any further to your latest nonsense.

[RathfarnhamHoop]

It's called life. You seem to have a weird view of the world.

Can't be bothered replying any further to your latest nonsense.

A view of the world that taking away hope from people, potentially causing serious mental anguish to them and laying people off that you can afford to pay is wrong.

What a terrible view to have...

[D24Saint]

https://www.the42.ie/league-of-ireland-6-5081155-Apr2020/

The FAI and league representatives had a chit chat earlier to come up with a few proposals, nothing in them that hasn’t been discussed on here.

[oriel]

The first one the most realistic of the 5? Can't see how behind closed doors is a viable option here.

Delegates from the FAI and the NLEC discussed the various options at length, including but not restricted to the following:

-> A resumption for the SSE Airtricity League behind closed doors on June 19th with the season to end no later than the end of December, a ‘behind closed doors’ policy to operate as long as HSE Guidelines recommend.

-> A resumption as planned on June 19th with stadium restrictions in line with HSE Guidelines including ‘behind closed doors’ and reduced capacity at 25% or 50%, the season to run until the end of December.

-> A resumption in July or August, based on Government advice and HSE guidelines.

-> A deferral of all National League activity until September with a reduced fixture programme season to run until the end of December.

-> A resumption of National League football in September with a full fixture programme season to run until the end of February 2021.

https://www.sseairtricityleague.ie/n...league/id-3276

From these options, I would have thought 4th and 5th would be more realistic, then there is a 6th not listed, possibly the most obvious one, complete cancellation of the 2020 season.

[ltfc_2004]

As a DoH official in my day job there is no chance of 2m being relaxed till a vaccine is produced never mind waves 2,3,4 coming later this year.

Its ****ty but reality is most likely no LOI till February at the earliest. Behind closed doors is doomed to failure or you suggesting we cocoon 22 teams at abbotstown give them all covid19 and then play ball after quarantine hoping none die and obviously giving it to the match officials as well , stewards, groundsstaff etc

Its horrible but clubs by June will lay off all the players. I hope I am wrong!

[Real ale Madrid]

Lads - please keep it civil. I've left most of the debate there as most of it is fair enough. However i'll just delete posts like 'You seem stressed' as these are deliberately winding people up.

[osarusan]

FAI asking LOI to consider the merits of playing matches behind closed doors and seeing of they could find a way to make it work.

[Mr A]

Apart from the fact it decimates every income stream we have, I cannot see how a league would function where we'd have to stop if anyone in a squad tested positive. We don't have TV deals that force us into this, I don't understand why this would be given any consideration at all.

[pineapple stu]

I think in fairness the league have put five options on the table and asked clubs to come up with a rough idea of cost/exposure.

It's definitely an option - and if it's not a viable one, then it won't go ahead.

I presume.

[D24Saint]

I can’t see the live streaming angle working. It would only be beneficial to some clubs if all streaming revenue was distributed from a communal pot and I’d say that’s a non runner. I’d suspect that Quinn is just stalling to see what the government, Fifa/Uefa will do for the league. The unfortunate thing is that in unprecedented times we have been found to have no options to continue, if normality can’t resume either can the LOI.

[The Lilywhites]

Cork and Pat's have already ruled out behind closed doors. The other 4 non European clubs in the Premier most likely have the same view.

The 4 European clubs will be guided by whatever happens with UEFA really. If our clubs were to draw a team from a country that will allow the tie to take place (example Belarus), where the Irish government might not, will our club be forced to forfeit the tie?

Could be a strange situation where the 4 clubs play European games but no more domestic games in 2020.

The First Division clubs seem to be forgotten in all this.

There was a report in the Sun saying streaming could cost anywhere between 2k (for a one man recording) and 8k for higher quality. Presumably that's the cost figure for a club to cover their remaining 15/16 home games.

[Martinho II]

Cork and Pat's have already ruled out behind closed doors. The other 4 non European clubs in the Premier most likely have the same view.

The 4 European clubs will be guided by whatever happens with UEFA really. If our clubs were to draw a team from a country that will allow the tie to take place (example Belarus), where the Irish government might not, will our club be forced to forfeit the tie?

Could be a strange situation where the 4 clubs play European games

I know for us in 1973 we were barred from the LSL but was allowed to play one tie in the FAI intermediate cup that season!

So there is precedence even if its not loi related!

[D24Saint]

https://www.irishmirror.ie/sport/soccer/soccer-news/ollie-horgan-believes-league-ireland-21917699

Ollie Horgan on the merits playing a winter campaign.

[nr637]

QylWlP6i2NM

Is Football in Ireland at a turning point again now with the Coronavirus?

[ToberonaTornado]

The screening for covid19 technology is there if clubs want it and i believe it's reasonably cheap as well.
Dont know how you can get crowd in and out though? even working on low numbers & Behind closed doors wont be happening.
John delaney looking on in glee - whats this now ?? 14 unopened dole checks on his hall door mat :(

[wonder88]

Good suggestion from Ollie Horgan to give winter soccer a go for a season. Overall the switch to summer I suppose has been beneficial, but hasn't really been a game changer as some might have expected.

It is worrying how little knowledge/experience of Irish soccer there is among many of those in charge of the FAI at present. Good PR alone may not be enough in what will be difficult times for the league/grassroots.

[Nesta99]

I think in fairness the league have put five options on the table and asked clubs to come up with a rough idea of cost/exposure.

It's definitely an option - and if it's not a viable one, then it won't go ahead.

I presume.

This in itself is a development in that clubs are being given options rather than just being dictated to with an 'agree or else'.

[passinginterest]

A lot will depend on the various studies and what happens in the countries where measures are relaxed earlier. There seems to be some evidence that catching the virus in the open air is extremely unlikely, which increases the chances of outdoor sports being among the first things approved for resumption. Obviously there would be limited crowds and distancing still in place, and there has to be consideration for how difficult that would be in dressing rooms too, which wouldn't all be very spacious. Maybe go back to junior league style, get changed on the sideline and head home for your shower after! Hard to see anything before September either way.

[peadar1987]

Winter league and full pyramid structure (oh hey legendz)?

[osarusan]

Eredivisie scrapped for the season, no champions or relegation. The teams in top spots will go into Europe, pending UEFA approval.

[Martinho II]

Heard a mad story the other day about when we were in Strokestown Rd in the early days we hadnt a dressing room and players had to change in our old grounds at Abbeycarton and got bussed up to it. Back then there was rope on the sides in Mullogher!
Mad story in these times that we are in!

[pineapple stu]

Interesting to look at the case numbers, as the current lockdown ends next week.

The lockdown is having some impact in that we're not seeing exponential growth and ICU capacity seems to be coping, which is good news.

But the new case numbers aren't really declining either. There's a slight downward trend, but 700 cases today is the second-highest total over the past eight days.

I can't see much - if any - in the way of relaxed restrictions by the end of next week. At a complete guess, I'd say that things will continue substantially the same for another three weeks. So that would bring us up to 24th May, allow say two weeks for "pre-season", and that brings you to the mid-season break, which is gameweek 22 in the Premier. We're 17 matches behind. The First Division is 15 matches behind.

That's the very optimistic view of course that football can return when restrictions are lifted, which I don't think it can. It's increasingly looking like the entire season could be written off. Certainly it's getting closer to a time when that call is going to have to be made.

[D24Saint]

Interesting to look at the case numbers, as the current lockdown ends next week.

The lockdown is having some impact in that we're not seeing exponential growth and ICU capacity seems to be coping, which is good news.

But the new case numbers aren't really declining either. There's a slight downward trend, but 700 cases today is the second-highest total over the past eight days.

I can't see much - if any - in the way of relaxed restrictions by the end of next week. At a complete guess, I'd say that things will continue substantially the same for another three weeks. So that would bring us up to 24th May, allow say two weeks for "pre-season", and that brings you to the mid-season break, which is gameweek 22 in the Premier. We're 17 matches behind. The First Division is 15 matches behind.

That's the very optimistic view of course that football can return when restrictions are lifted, which I don't think it can. It's increasingly looking like the entire season could be written off. Certainly it's getting closer to a time when that call is going to have to be made.

Reckon they will have to offer some slight easing of restrictions surely the mental health toll this is causing will mount up if severe restrictions last much longer.

[D24Saint]

There are some great fundraising efforts going on at Pats. The club have launched Patreon site with videos and interview with ex players. It is bringing in over a grand a month at the moment and a fan has started a go fund me that has already passed its target of seven thousand. Is there something going on at other clubs ? I read something about Bohs selling bricks from their dressing room.

[Asterix]

There are some great fundraising efforts going on at Pats. The club have launched Patreon site with videos and interview with ex players. It is bringing in over a grand a month at the moment and a fan has started a go fund me that has already passed its target of seven thousand. Is there something going on at other clubs ? I read something about Bohs selling bricks from their dressing room.

Rovers fans set up a go fund me a few days ago. Its €9,250 at the moment.