NIFL still working towards start date

The Northern Ireland Football League has confirmed they are still working towards a start date of October 17th despite new coronavirus restrictions being put in place this week.
By Steven Crawford
Published 23rd Sep 2020, 11:10 BST
500 spectators were permitted to attend the Irish Cup final in July500 spectators were permitted to attend the Irish Cup final in July
500 spectators were permitted to attend the Irish Cup final in July

On Monday the NI Executive imposed new restrictions following a recent rise in Covid-19 cases, including people no longer being allowed to visit others indoors and no more than six people from two households will be allowed to gather in a private garden.

At present this outdoor limit does not apply to situations such as outdoor sports, entertainment, community, work, religious or some other purposes.

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However, yesterday Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed plans for fans to return to watch live sport events in England from 1 October will not go ahead.

The plans were placed under review after a rise in coronavirus cases. The prime minister said current restrictions are likely to remain in place for the next six months.

NIFL released the fixtures for the new Danske Bank Premiership campaign last weekend with October 17 the date for the big kick-off.

A spokesperson confirmed this will still be the case until they are informed otherwise.

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With regards to a return of fans NIFL added that it would be assessed club-by-club by the “respective council or local authority”.

“We are still working towards 17 October until we receive any new guidance from the NI executive ,” said the statement.

“Working from guidance, fans in attendance (and the amount of) will be a decision on a club-by-club basis in line with their respective council or local authority to determine.”

A number of Irish League clubs, including the likes of Larne and Glentoran have held successful trial events with supporters attending recent friendlies. In July 500 fans were allowed to attend the Irish Cup final.

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The Department of the Communities has been examining the viability of a return of meaningful numbers of fans.

“The Department is working with sporting bodies including Ulster Rugby and the IFA to look at the return of spectators and how that could be managed safely, which includes the possibility of test events,” a Department of Communities spokesperson told BBC NI.

“This work has just commenced and while it will continue it is recognised that any progress on a return of larger numbers of spectators to sports grounds will have to be aligned with the Executives plans to address the surge in Covid cases, the evolving Covid restrictions and guidelines.”

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Related topics:Boris JohnsonThe DepartmentNI ExecutiveEngland