The 2020-21 Men's Super League and Division One league seasons have been cancelled, it was confirmed in a statement by Basketball Ireland this afternoon. 

Basketball Ireland Men's National Competitions Committee (MNCC) said it felt it "had no alternative" but to cancel the season following the most recent Covid-19 guidelines issued by the Irish government. 

Level 3 does not allow indoor team sports to take place, with no matches or events permitted. 

The statement said that no decision had been taken with regard to the 2020-21 Men's National Cup.  

In the statement, the MNCC said they were "extremely disappointed" that their proposals for the re-commencement of basketball competitions behind closed doors from 9 January had not been "considered properly".

"It is felt that fair play and consultation has not happened and we can only conclude that we are not trusted to act in a safe and responsible manner," the statement read. 

"We note that many national basketball leagues are taking place throughout Europe with the agreement of the government and heath authorities in those countries."

The decision was taken to cancel the league as their semi-professional clubs had "commercial commitments and cannot be left in uncertainty any longer."

Basketball Ireland said they would "continue to make the case to the political decision-makers for the playing of elite basketball in 2021. We hope that a competition may be possible in February/March, which will give our players and supporters something to look forward to.

"This is a difficult and disappointing decision to have made but we trust our community understands that we feel it is the only reasonable action to take."    

Basketball Ireland CEO and chair of the MNCC, Bernard O'Byrne - who on Tuesday said that "indoor sports had been marginalised" - said they would continue to seek answers from the government. 

"Basketball Ireland has been lobbying government, but still have been ignored," O'Byrne said. "It shall not stop fighting for recognition and answers from government.

"The MNCC feel that certainty is needed and we cannot keep our clubs, players, officials and volunteers waiting.

"We would have loved to start our season on January 9th, but we’ve been left with no choice.

"Basketball Ireland has been doing its utmost to help our clubs during these difficult times and it shall continue to do so."