The FAI announced last Friday that the earliest that football games can begin again is 28 August with the season being extended to 11 October to facilitate any League that wished to fulfil the 2019/20 season. The new season will commence on 18 October.

Based on the feedback from our Clubs, with many concerns raised about an early uncertain return and the HSE advice on safety measures the Executive Committee of the League has decided to cancel all remaining fixtures for the current season and to concentrate on gearing up for the new one. Points for remaining games will be allocated on a pro rate basis using points already won.

This decision, while disappointing for many, does we hope provided a degree of certainty that will allow Clubs, players and referees plan their summers and the return to training and games.

FAI Steering Group examines options for Grassroots Football

The Football Association of Ireland’s steering group is examining all aspects of a potential return for adult amateur and underage football once the Government issues an update on lockdown procedures around the Covid-19 pandemic.

The group is engaging with representatives from the FAI Board, all adult amateur football, all underage football, FAI National and Provincial Affiliates and Grassroots staff.

The group is establishing the necessary requirements to produce a roadmap for the resumption of football once lockdown restrictions are eased. The FAI is encouraging all Leagues to consult with their own clubs on this matter at the earliest opportunity.

The roadmap for a return to football will include guidelines for those Leagues offering winter football in the traditional manner as well as Leagues now operating a summer season, as per the FAI Rule Book. All football under the auspices of the FAI is suspended until May 5th at the earliest as per the Government guidelines.

Whilst awaiting updates from the HSE and Government which will establish a timeline for a return, the group is keen to produce a policy document which will have as little negative impact as possible on competitions nationwide, including national cup competitions.

MESSAGE TO THE IRISH FOOTBALL COMMUNITY

Friends,

As President of the Football Association of Ireland, I want to update you on some football issues at a time when our game is so irrelevant to so many but also offers hope in a post COVID-19 future as we search for any light at the end of the tunnel.

These are very difficult times for everyone in Ireland and around the world as we come to terms with the impact of the coronavirus crisis and I would like to start this message by saluting the brave efforts of our frontline heroes, many of them involved with Irish football, in the battle against COVID-19.

The selfless dedication and commitment of our medical staff and other frontline workers epitomises everything that is good in Irish life. On behalf of everyone involved in Irish football, I thank them for their service to their country and assure them of our support in any way we can.

As you are all well aware football is in lockdown until May 5th at the earliest and we again remind all affiliates that the cessation of football applies to training as well as games. Our Medical Director Alan Byrne remains in constant communication with the HSE and the Department of Health and his advice is that we follow government guidelines at all times.

We are in talks with the Department of Sport around a return to football once the Government restrictions on movement are lifted. The FAI is represented on a weekly call hosted by Government with all NGBs, and we are engaging with all stakeholders on how a return to sporting action will look once the lockdown is eased. We will let you know how this applies to your club as soon as more information is available and I thank you, in advance, for your patience.

The AUL would like to pass on their deepest condolences on the passing away of FINGLAS UTD and MELLOWES BDS legend Monty.

He will be sadly missed by everyone.

It’s hard to think it is only a week since football games were suspended, just as the weather improved!!!. It won’t be long until “cabin fever” sets in. We would urge everyone to continue to comply with the HSE advice https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/. Doing this will ensure that get through this soon and get back on the pitch, and training ground!!! Stay safe and KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.

The FAI announced last Friday that the earliest that football games can begin again is 28 August with the season being extended to 11 October to facilitate any League that wished to fulfil the 2019/20 season. The new season will commence on 18 October.

Based on the feedback from our Clubs, with many concerns raised about an early uncertain return and the HSE advice on safety measures the Executive Committee of the League has decided to cancel all remaining fixtures for the current season and to concentrate on gearing up for the new one. Points for remaining games will be allocated on a pro rate basis using points already won.

This decision, while disappointing for many, does we hope provided a degree of certainty that will allow Clubs, players and referees plan their summers and the return to training and games.

Coronavirus - COVID-19

In anticipation of the current situation , Following the Taoiseach's statement in relation to all activities the AUL Committee will cease all fixtures in the Complex, until further notice. The Main Office/Administration and Committee will remain in place to meet any requirements . All other Activities have been suspended until further notice.

Any queries please contact Niamh Office 01-8408935

Podcast

AUL PRO Des Smith talks to Justin Burke

https://www.podbean.com/eu/pb-88rc8-c871c6

Futsal Referees

Any Referees interested in doing a Futsal Referees Course, please contact the AUL League. 01-8408935 or email complex@aul.ie

The FAI announced last Friday that the earliest that football games can begin again is 28 August with the season being extended to 11 October to facilitate any League that wished to fulfil the 2019/20 season. The new season will commence on 18 October.

Based on the feedback from our Clubs, with many concerns raised about an early uncertain return and the HSE advice on safety measures the Executive Committee of the League has decided to cancel all remaining fixtures for the current season and to concentrate on gearing up for the new one. Points for remaining games will be allocated on a pro rate basis using points already won.

This decision, while disappointing for many, does we hope provided a degree of certainty that will allow Clubs, players and referees plan their summers and the return to training and games.

FAI .Net

On Tuesday the FAI released a video explanation of the FAInet process, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxdqynApQgU

Please see under Download link above the updated FAInet guide which is the full process for clubs starting from Team Creation > Assigning Players > Checking status of players applications > Entering New players to FAInet > Entering Transfers on FAInet > Printing & Uploading the FAI approved registration form to & from FAInet.