Niall Quinn has confirmed that coronavirus could be 'catastrophic' for Irish football and that there will be money available to struggling League of Ireland clubs if postponements hit.
Quinn was talking on Virgin Media Sport in his capacity as interim Deputy CEO of the FAI and updated the situation regarding coronavirus.
"It is a very difficult time, but we are putting contingency plans in that will be ready," said Quinn.
"Particularly for League of Ireland clubs because they are most at risk because to go a couple of months without income and revenue - they still have their commitments to players and it gets very tricky."
Quinn on coronavirus
As to whether there will be a financial cushion in place for clubs, Quinn agreed that is what the FAI are looking to do.
“The association met with the NLEC and the PFAI earlier on today.
“[That was] really to assess the impact that coronavirus will have on the clubs and players should games be postponed or forced behind closed doors, it could be quite catastrophic.
“A steering group was drawn up today to study that financial impact and to work out proposals that we can put in place to try and help the clubs and players.
“We hope to forward those proposals on to the government and UEFA to seek their support too.
“We’re trying to get in early and understand the damage that can be done here and try do something about it."
Quinn said that they would be consulting with government advice and would "act accordingly; we must follow orders."
Quinn also updated on the status of Republic of Ireland's playoff against Slovakia.
"Practically, this looks very difficult at this time. But we must plough ahead now and Mick must have his players thinking they are travelling at this very moment.
"It could change."
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