League of Ireland clubs will not be permitted to play friendlies for at least two and-a-half weeks, with the Football Association of Ireland warning that cases emerging in clubs could lead to no preparation matches.
Most of the Premier Division sides are back training, as well as several First Division outfits, but Galway United boss John Caulfield has confirmed matches will not take place in the short-term due to the Covid-19 landscape in the country.
The Premier Division is scheduled to begin on 19 March, with the second tier a week later.
The first fixture of the year is currently slated for 12 March with the traditional President's Cup games. Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk are facing off this year.
The League’s Manager’s Association met with league officials last weekend where the model for friendly games taking place was set out.
Many sides, including Galway, had arranged some games which were awaiting approval given the uncertain picture, and were told they could begin to play games later in the month as long as the safety requirements were being met in the early stages of pre-season.
Caulfield told galwayunitedfc.ie: "We had a number of friendlies lined up. At the manager's meeting last Saturday, the FAI advised us that there would be no friendlies because of the seriousness of the situation unless all the clubs can get through the next three weeks and follow the protocols and hope there are no cases.
"That is why we are all very diligent. There is a real onus on the League of Ireland clubs to make sure to follow the guidelines.
"If that is done, we'll be allowed play friendlies after that. In the meantime, there will be no friendly games until we all get the okay."
The league ran relatively smoothly for several months following the return to play last July, although the season had to be extended due to some Covid-related postponements.
Several reserve dates have been included in the league programme this year, while the FAI have also set hardened rules for criteria for postponements and when games should be played.
