The FAI are seeking clarity surrounding social distancing in a contact sport before green lighting a return of the grassroots game.
Under the government's Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business guidelines, team sports can resume on July 20 behind closed doors.
Last week, the FAI had sought talks with Sport Ireland and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport regarding phase 4 of the Roadmap, and how it pertains to amateur adult and underage football.
Following the latest meeting of the FAI Steering Group earlier today, the association find themselves in a similar position to that of the GAA.
On the Sunday Game, GAA president John Horan said, "If social distancing is a priority to deal with this pandemic, I don't know how we can play a contact sport."
The FAI are now asking the government for clarity on the matter.
They outlined three key takeaways from Monday's meeting:
- A clear policy to manage all risks for volunteers around a return to play and to ensure a safe environment for all participants
- Clarity on the effects of social distancing on contact sport as per the phases outlined in the Government’s Roadmap
- Guidance on the infrastructural costs for amateur adult and underage clubs around safe return to play protocols
Steering Group Facilitator Ger McDermott said: "We await a response from Government, having submitted a series of key questions to Sport Ireland around a safe return to play for everyone involved in amateur adult and underage football.
"We again advise all affiliates to postpone any decisions on a return to training or football until the Government responds. The Steering Group will then meet to consider the outcome of that response.
"Only then can we issue clear guidelines to our clubs, leagues and all affiliates on a safe return to training and playing.
"We thank them all for their patience to date and for continuing to abide by HSE guidelines."
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