Irish League to follow EFL path with Covid-19 test programme

The latest lockdown is scheduled to end next week when senior clubs will return to training from Monday before scheduled elite weekend league fixtures on January 23.

The “provision of the Covid-19 test kits to clubs has been sourced and funded in a joint venture by the NI Football League and the Irish FA to ensure a safe return to play for all match participants”.

“We are delighted to announce the introduction of testing to reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of our players, coaches and match officials,” said NIFL interim managing director Steven Mills. “We have considered what other leagues have introduced and we will be using the same company and test as the EFL clubs in England.

“Coupled with the robust protocols the Premiership clubs have successfully implemented to date, we can look forward to the remainder of the campaign with renewed comfort and excitement.”

An initial rolling period of four weeks will be introduced for testing, with a NIFL review after three.

“Through working collaboratively with NIFL we continue to respond to the pandemic to ensure football in Northern Ireland is supported and protected,” said Irish FA chief executive Patrick Nelson.

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