IFA announces July extension for completion of Irish League campaign

The Northern Ireland Football League has been granted an extension by the Irish FA of the current season until July 31.
By Sports Desk
Published 26th May 2020, 18:10 BST
Updated 26th May 2020, 18:31 BST
Linfield held an advantage of four points in the Irish Premiership when football was suspended in March.Linfield held an advantage of four points in the Irish Premiership when football was suspended in March.
Linfield held an advantage of four points in the Irish Premiership when football was suspended in March.

On Tuesday, Irish FA President David Martin said the decision - taken at a committee meeting on Monday night - would allow the NIFL to complete the Irish League campaign “if they so desire”.

Previously, the deadline for ending the season had been May 31.

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A similar extension has also been granted to the County Antrim FA and Ballymena Saturday Morning leagues.

The announcement comes after the association wrote to league secretaries and divisional associations in April, highlighting that any league wishing to complete their season beyond the May 31 finish date would be required to ask for an extension from the IFA Committee.

As a result of the extension, the opening of the registration period for professional contracts for next season will not be able to go ahead until the 2019-20 season has been declared finished by the IFA.

On Friday, NIFL said a decision on whether to complete or cancel the remainder of the Irish Premiership, Championship and Premier Intermediate leagues due to the Covid-19 crisis would be made by June 30. The organisers of all three leagues have stated their “continued desire” to complete the season.

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However, Irish FA President Martin said any decisions on whether football should return would be taken in line with government and medical guidance.

He added: “Health and safety of the players, managers, staff, referees and all involved in our games is the most important factor.”

Related topics:David MartinBallymena

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