Sligo Rovers have registered their feeling that the League of Ireland's return to play structures are 'grossly unfair' and 'unjust'.
Rovers confirmed that they will return as per the league's resumption on 31 July, with first-team players returning to training this week.
In a letter seen by Off The Ball, Rovers' outlined why they feel they are particularly affected by the coronavirus lockdown.
"It [became] clear that Sligo Rovers would be the club hit hardest by the Covid-19 crisis as our fundraising (€500,000 in 2019) and gate receipts (at highest level in seven years last year) have been decimated. This forms 70% of our annual budget," the letter says.
"We have accepted a financial package, which, in truth, will still leave a massive strain on the football club and also required a compromise from all parties involved.
"We want to acknowledge that our management team, our players, administration staff and the wider Sligo Rovers community have all played their part in encouraging the decision to return.
"Not returning to this season would leave us in a position that we may not have been able to recover from. It would leave the club with debts that could not be overcome."
Sligo Rovers' objections
The letter credits the efforts of the staff and volunteers in continuing their work during the restrictions, but is apparently critical of the structures as they stand.
"On the pitch, we face a massive challenge in 14 matches left to play in the season. But it was the only scenario in which we could return.
"The format proposed today was of particular disappointment to the club and is something we sternly object to. We believe it is grossly unfair, unjust and do not see the matter as concluded.
"We will be having further discussions on this issue with relevant parties.
"From today we will regroup, we will rally together and take on the next 16 weeks with the resilience that has got us this far as a football club.
"We thank everyone for their support in recent months and look forward to returning to the pitch on 31 July."
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