Delays to Irish Cup and Championship start dates

Delays have been confirmed beyond January for the opening round of the Sadler’s Peaky Blinder Irish Cup and NIFL Championship league programme start.
Glentoran celebrate success in last season's Irish Cup final. Pic by PressEye Ltd.Glentoran celebrate success in last season's Irish Cup final. Pic by PressEye Ltd.
Glentoran celebrate success in last season's Irish Cup final. Pic by PressEye Ltd.

The Department for Communities and Sport NI “confirmed they cannot support the request to have the competitions delivered under ‘elite’ protocols” according to a statement by the Irish FA.

The Irish Cup will this season operate under a reduced entry list due to the coronavirus pandemic - with first-round ties planned for January 9.

The Championship also had a January start date scheduled.

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However, a complete ban on sport in Northern Ireland will operate from December 26 to January 1.

The latest NI Executive regulations determine only elite sport is permitted within that subsequent timescale until early February.

“This is a year in which, like many things, our game has taken a huge hit,” said Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson. “There has been a toll on both the physical and mental wellbeing of many in the game at all levels.

“We are acutely aware of this.

“Whilst we are disappointed, we understand this decision has been taken with the broader health, safety and wellbeing of everyone both in, and outside, of the football community in Northern Ireland in mind.

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“We have engaged consistently with the Northern Ireland Executive to make the case for these competitions to get underway with enhanced protocols but acknowledge that this simply won’t be possible in the timeframes scheduled.

“Our dialogue with the Executive and our member clubs will continue, and our staff will be working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are ready to deliver these competitions when the restrictions allow.”

The Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup “also remains paused”.

Northern Ireland Football League officials have announced a revamped Danske Bank Premiership schedule as follows:

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January 2: Coleraine v Carrick Rangers, Crusaders v Warrenpoint Town, Dungannon Swifts v Cliftonville, Glenavon v Linfield, Glentoran v Portadown, Larne v Ballymena United.

January 9: Ballymena United v Coleraine, Carrick Rangers v Larne, Cliftonville v Crusaders, Linfield v Glentoran, Portadown v Glenavon, Warrenpoint Town v Dungannon Swifts.

January 19: Crusaders v Linfield, Coleraine v Portadown, Dungannon Swifts v Carrick Rangers, Larne v Warrenpoint Town.

Dates must still be confirmed for Glenavon v Ballymena United and Glentoran v Cliftonville.

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