The First Division Alliance are confident about the possibility of a return to league action in August, after what they described as a "very positive meeting" with the FAI hierarchy this afternoon.
While a number of Premier Division clubs are reported to be unhappy about the financial package that has been presented to enable the league to resume, the First Division clubs struck an upbeat note this evening following their meeting with FAI interim CEO Gary Owens and interim deputy CEO Niall Quinn.
The First Division released the same statement on their social media channels this evening, expressing their positivity about a return to competitive action.
The statement read: "The First Division Clubs had a very positive meeting with Gary Owens and Niall Quinn from the FAI this afternoon.
"The engagement was open, honest and focused on achieving a solution that will be fair for all clubs whilst continually focusing on trying to get back to playing football.
"As a group of clubs, we are increasingly positive about the possibility of returning to competitive action, hopefully in August.
"Of course, some sacrifices will need to be made by everyone involved in the League of Ireland, but our collective aim has to be to return to playing whilst ensuring our clubs remain viable community entities.
"We are also optimistic that a solution can be found to enable our underage and women's teams to also return to league action.
"We are particularly mindful that youth and women’s teams across the country are returning to training and we recognise the need to develop viable solutions for the season ahead."
