Hockey Ireland declare EYHL season ‘null and void’

Hockey Ireland Board officials have confirmed a decision to declare the EYHL 1 and 2 seasons “null and void”.
By Patrick Van Dort
Published 9th Apr 2020, 17:19 BST
The scene at Belfast Harlequins Hockey Club last month following the Coronavirus outbreak. Pic by Pacemaker.The scene at Belfast Harlequins Hockey Club last month following the Coronavirus outbreak. Pic by Pacemaker.
The scene at Belfast Harlequins Hockey Club last month following the Coronavirus outbreak. Pic by Pacemaker.

A decision last month was made to consider the full programme of league, cup and domestic competitions as “finished” following the Coronavirus outbreak.

Now, following consulation with the branches and on recommendation of the Competitions Working Group, it has been confirmed the season is null and void.

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“The Hockey Ireland Board and Hockey Ireland Branches are acutely aware of the scale of the health crisis facing the island of Ireland at this time, as well as the energetic strain that Covid-19 is currently placing on people in all aspects of their lives,” included a Hockey Ireland statement. “The Hockey Ireland Board, in consultation with the Branches and on recommendation of the Competitions Working Group, have decided the following:

“The EYHL 1 and 2 season 19/20 has been stopped and has been declared null and void as there are too many games left to play to determine a fair final ranking by mathematical or other method.

“The EY Hockey Champions Trophy is cancelled for the 19/20 season, there will be no automatic promotion/relegation in the EYHL 1 and 2.

“The Board of Hockey Ireland has asked the EYHL Competitions Group to consider options of increasing the number of teams in the EYHL league(s) for the 20/21 season and report back to the Board with their recommendations.

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“The Board have also received proposals to explore a full season EYHL2 concept and the Board have asked the EYHL Competitions Group to look into the viability of implementing this and make recommendations to the Board.

“European club competition places will be determined at a later stage by the Board pending the outcome of the current European season and a conclusive decision from the European Hockey Federation (EHF).

“The Hockey Ireland Branches will use a percentage equalisation method to complete league standings in their respective province.”