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GAA – Hurling and Football suspended until July

The Senior inter-county championships, scheduled to begin in May, will be postponed until further clarity on the current situation is available.

However, it is the Association’s view that it is highly unlikely these will be rescheduled any time before the beginning of July, at the earliest.

When sporting activity recommences, the GAA will accommodate both club and county games. The Association also intends to complete the Allianz Leagues, or at least those games that have a bearing on next year’s divisions, where possible.

A Special Congress, held remotely, will take place this Friday to propose decision-making flexibility to allow us vary competition structures, if required, in advance of resuming games.

In keeping with the approach of the Association since the start of this crisis, all of our decisions will be based on the advice of the medical professionals and the government.

Finally, the GAA would again like to thank our members and units for their support at this time and for continuing to adhere to the government guidelines.

Confirmation of 2020/22 UEFA Pro Licence participants

Twenty different coaches have been accepted onto the 2020/22 UEFA Pro Licence course that will be run by the Football Association of Ireland.

The 2020/22 UEFA Pro Licence participants are:
Tim Clancy, Dan Connor, Carlo Cudicini, Kevin Doherty, Daire Doyle, Tom Elmes, Anthony Hayes, Ruairdhi Higgins, Denis Hyland, Graham Kelly, Andy Keogh, Ian Morris, Alan Murphy, John O’Shea, Sean O’Shea, Aidan Price, Matthew Ross, John Russell, James Scott

Amongst the group are nine coaches currently working in the SSE Airtricity League, two managing in the Women’s National League, three involved with Republic of Ireland international teams, while others are thriving in their respective careers further afield.

One of the participants is former Ireland captain John O’Shea, who earned 118 caps during a playing career that saw him lead his country out at EURO 2016. He is currently first-team coach with Reading in the English Championship, having previously completed his UEFA B & A certificates with the FAI, and was recently appointed as assistant coach to the Ireland Under-21s.

Another international player, Andy Keogh, is also on the course having worked his way up the coaching ladder. The 30-times capped Ireland forward had been coaching in Perth, Australia whilst playing in the A-League for Perth Glory and recently played in India for North East United FC. He is now getting ready for the next challenge in his career.

Also working abroad is Anthony Hayes, who is Lead Professional Development Phase Coach for Charlton Athletic’s Under-17 / U-18s. In Sweden, Sean O’Shea is assistant coach at AIK Stockholm, while Matthew Ross is assistant coach for the Republic of Korea Women’s National Team – working alongside former Ireland Women’s Team manager Colin Bell.

FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter feels that Irish football will gain from having more highly-skilled coaches complete their education and transfer that knowledge back to the players that they work with on a daily basis.

“The UEFA Pro Licence is the highest coaching certification in Europe and is recognised all around the world. Its holder is amongst a select group of the very best coaches. It is fantastic to have 20 excellent participants come through the application process to be part of our next group and I would like to congratulate them and wish them the very best of luck,” said Dokter.

“The course has been upgraded and improved greatly since the FAI first hosted it in 2009, which is in line with modern-day coaching practices and UEFA guidelines, It is great credit to Niall O’Regan and his team in our Coach Education Department for continuing to raise the standards for our coaches.

“We are excited to help this group of coaches reach the next level in their respective careers and we believe that Irish football, as a whole, will benefit from the experience and skills that they gain from participating on this course.”

In total, 90 coaches applied for the course with 35 coaches completing the theory exams and interview process. The course will be delivered with contact blocks over an 18-month period, which will include international club visits, a study visit to UEFA HQ, and individual club assessments.

The calibre of coaches coming through the FAI Coach Education continues to improve with 92 UEFA A Licence coaches, 78 UEFA B Licence coaches, and 36 UEFA Elite Youth A Licence coaches all graduating in 2019.

With his department engaging with over 10,000 coaches each year, FAI Head of Coach Education Niall O’Regan believes the progression of coaches through the system can be reflected in the group confirmed for the UEFA Pro Licence.

“I am delighted to see the number of coaches within the next UEFA Pro Licence group having completed a number of our UEFA Licence courses previously,” said O’Regan.

“It is also great to see coaches who received very specific feedback having not been accepted in the previous course, implementing that feedback and now entering the 2020-2022 course, which really identifies their engagement but also how successful the process of providing feedback to coaches has been.

“This area of feedback and self-reflection/evaluation is a significant component of all of our coaching courses, and it is great to see it come to life in situations like this.

“The course group has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the game and I am looking forward to working with them over the coming 18 months on their completion through the course.

“It was great to meet with each of the coaches last week via video calls, with Craig Sexton (Coach Education Coordinator) also involved as we mapped out the journey between now and working to completion. Also, this will be the platform for the design of the micro groups and the coaches will have further online one-on-one sessions to aid them in shaping their own learning plans in relation to completing the course assignments and requirements.”

This latest UEFA Pro Licence course had an individual online induction last week with the group set to get together for the first block in November 2020.

FAI UEFA Pro Licence Graduates

2009
Paul Ashworth, Packie Bonner, Joe Boyle, Paul Clement, Tony Cousins, Pat Dolan, Paul Doolin, Pat Fenlon, John Gill, Don Givens, Brian Kerr, Mike Kerley, Noel King, Pete Mahon, Tony Mannion, Alan Mathews, John McDonnell, Noel O’Reilly

2011
Bobby Browne, Michael Browne, Liam Buckley, Paul Cook, Kenny Cunningham, John Devine, Tommy Dunne, Curtis Fleming, Eddie Gormley, Steve Harrison, Jeff Kenna, Harry McCue, Brendan Place, Damien Richardson, Martin Russell

2013
John Brennan, Gerry Carr, Mick Cooke, Trevor Croly, Declan Devine, Adrian Fitzpatrick, John Glynn, Shane Keegan, Harry Kenny, Keith Long, Dave Mackey, Paul O’Brien, Tom O’Connor, Pat Scully

2015
Stuart Ashton, John Caulfield, Dave Connell, Jason Donohue, Eileen Gleeson, Tommy Griffin, Niall Harrison, Owen Heary, Ollie Horgan, Robbie Horgan, Peter Hutton, Tom Mohan, Mick Neville, Colin O’Brien, Don O’Riordan, Sue Ronan, Leo Tierney

2018
Tommy Barrett, Stephen Bradley, Adrian Carberry, Jim Crawford, Gary Cronin, Ger Dunne, Stephen Henderson, Frank Kelleher, Gerard Nash, Graham O’Hanlon, Colin O’Neill, Paul Osam, Alan Reynolds, Greg Yelverton

2020*
John Andrews, Keith Andrews, Jim Brennan, John Cotter, Damien Duff, Neale Fenn, Paul Hegarty, Robbie Keane, Paddy McCarthy, Kevin Maher, Ger O’Brien, William O’Connor, Vinny Perth, Andy Reid, Stephen Rice, Dave Rogers, Szilard Suto, Srdjan Tufegdzic

*This group have yet to graduate

3 Greatest Goalkeepers of All Time

Many say that the goalkeeper is the most important player on the field. Their performance can have a dramatic effect on the outcome of a game. And any hesitation or delay on their part can mean the difference between a win or a loss. With this in mind, here are the three greatest ball custodians in soccer’s history. 

 

Lev Yashin

 

Nicknamed the Black Spider for his black attire (he even used to wear goalkeeper gloves in the hue) Lev Yashin played for Dynamo Moscow from 1950 to 1970 (unlike many other soccer stars, he only ever played for one club). Throughout his career, he played 395 games for the club and represented it at three World Cups, winning gold for the Soviet Union at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne (the first World Cup to be broadcasted internationally). Yashin is known for his offensive style of defense—instead of waiting for the action to come to him, he would leave his line to intercept crosses and meet oncoming attackers. Yashin has received numerous accolades, including the Ballon d’Or—he has been the only goalkeeper in history to receive one. He has also been named the best goalkeeper of the 20th century by the IFFHS. When questioned about the secret of his success, Yashin famously responded: “have a smoke to calm your nerves, then toss back a strong drink to tone your muscles.” 

 

Oliver Kahn

 

The only goalkeeper to ever win the Golden Ball, which he was awarded at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Kahn spent 14 years playing for Bayern Munich. While playing for the club, he won the 2001 Championship League, eight league cups and six national cups. Kahn was frequently nicknamed The Titan or King Khan due to his stamina, discipline and aggressive playing style. Probably the best known moment in Kahn’s 21-year football career came when he saved a penalty shot in the 2001 Champions League final, helping Bayern secure their first European Cup in 25 years. Another highlight was his performance at the 2002 World Cup finals in South Korea/Japan where his skills ensured his team’s spot in the finals.

 

Peter Schmeichel

 

Hailing from Denmark, Peter Schmeichel is probably most famous for his eight years with Manchester United, where he won the 1999 Champions League Final, five Premier League titles and three FA Cups. Over his career, he has also played for Brondby and Sporting Lisbon. Significantly, the Dane has also won the 1992 European Championship with Denmark and holds 129 national caps. Rather intimidating in the penalty area, Schmeichel is well known for what some refer to as ‘starfish,’ or star jump, saves. The IFFHS voted Schmeichel the World’s Best Goalkeeper in 1992 and 1993, and ranked him among the top ten goalkeepers of the 20th century in 2000 and 2001. He has also won the accolade of the best goalkeeper ever in a 200,000-participant poll held by Reuters. Interestingly, Schmeichel often ventured into the opposition’s area when his team was losing and even scored 11 goals throughout his career.

 

Tour de France 2020 set to be postponed

The Tour de France looks set to be postponed following the French government’s extension of a ban on mass gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic.

President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that restrictions on public events would continue until mid-July.

Cycling’s biggest race, won by Team Ineos’ Egan Bernal last year, is due to run from 27 June to 19 July.

Liverpool’s Greatest European Comebacks – Luck or Skill?

The team at Liverpool are people who have been playing football. Some of them are professionals, others are new talent, and the club itself has seen some incredible players pass through its halls. Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, and others have all graced Liverpool with their skills, their experience, and some have built their careers around this club.

Understandably, when looking at Liverpool’s greatest European comebacks, there are quite a few options to pick from. But the question on the minds of people both internationally and even in the hometown of Liverpool themselves is this. Is it just skill that gets them out of these jams, or are they just flukes?

No Star Players?

If you wanted to find an instance where Liverpool overcame incredible odds with a slim chance, one needs only to look back at 2018 to 19, with a match against Barcelona. This was a game that the team is expected to lose, and the manager even confessed that if they were going to lose, they would do it their way. However, what no one ever thought possible was for Liverpool to come out and have an incredible 4 – 0 victory. 

What was interesting about this match is that the team were absent two of the star players at the time. There were three linchpins in the Liverpool machine at that point, and with two absent, you can begin to understand why people were skeptical that the victory was even on the cards, let alone possible. Some could argue that this was a fluke. Everything aligned in the right way, there was a four leaf clover on the lapel of every fan in the stand, but the truth is that this could just be an instance of skill. 

The Right Players?

Some people would argue that the ability of Liverpool to make European comebacks is down to what players are on the team at that point. In 2005 and 2006, they played off in the Champions League against Olympiakos. 

Victory was an impossible here, because the team had already lost the previous encounter. However, thanks to some precarious plays in previous matches and the current state of the tournament at the time, Liverpool had to score 3 goals to come out on top. In fact, they needed to get a clear two-goal advantage to progress to the knockout rounds, so there was a lot of tension riding on this. For Liverpool, it was to go big or go home. 

Perhaps what ultimately won for the team was the presence of Steven Gerrard. An incredible player, and a legend in Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is widely known as being one of the best players England ever turned out. His skills were legendary, and so when he scored a goal quite early on that was nothing short of miraculous, things began to look up. In fact, Steven Gerrard managed to score two of the three goals which ultimately netted the team to win, as they went home on a clear 3-1 lead. 

Some people would argue that players like Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres were what made Liverpool the powerhouse that they were known to be. These were players who always seemed to step up in moments of crisis, and achieved some absolutely incredible sporting feats to keep Liverpool within their desperation for the top slots. 

Our Thoughts

So there is absolutely no denying that some of the different options which are available when it comes to the European comebacks that Liverpool has made to raise the question of whether or not there is an element of fluke or skill involved. 

In absolute truth, we think it is a question of skill. These players wanted to win. They put everything into the game, so for them to come so far and thrive is an indicator that this was going to be their season regardless. Sometimes, everything just comes together. The human factor, the drive to win, and the skills of the players all marry up and create the perfect victory. 

Liverpool is a club which has always done well. They have always had a very fair reputation as being professional and capable players. Even when Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, and players like them left to go and pursue other passions and do other things within the industry, Liverpool still continued to thrive. Perhaps we will see more incredible European comebacks like the ones which we have been witness to recently. It’s obvious that the new generation is holding its own, because both Torres and Gerard have not been present for the last five years at least, and so their departure has left a hole which can’t be filled easily. This is perhaps an indicator that the new blood is not as bad as people think, and does lend credence to the theory that their comebacks are down to skill and not luck. 

EA Sports NHL 20 review

Time is everything in quick-paced sports like hockey. A brief instant can decide if a goalie makes a game-evolving save, a player scores a career-changing goal, or a protector bolts up that danger before they get an opportunity to get off the shot.

For a long time, EA’s NHL review series felt excessively moderate and indifferent to being a distinction producer; however, that is beginning to change. A year ago’s significantly updated skating caused the players to feel risky on their skates once more, and NHL 20 includes stick speed, making one-timers as compelling as they were when previously presented in the manner back in NHL ’94. This development makes the on-ice move forward, and yet, EA’s baffling refusal to improve and restore a portion of its most well-known modes keeps NHL 20 from indeed splitting from the pack.

Game Review:

With its new commentary group and refreshed introduction bundle, it speaks to the franchise’s most significant clarification in years and they’re for the most part positive changes. Joined with great controls, liquid ongoing gameplay, various enjoyment and drawing in multiple modes to play, exceptional attention-loving care, and thankfulness for hockey culture, NHL 20 is a stage forward that is commonly magnificent. 

The most noticeable change for this game is its communicated package. It is unique this year, and the differences which range discourse, UI, and illustrations – are generally positive yet not usually to improve things. Commentators Mike “Doc” Emerick and Eddie Olczyk are out, while almost the aggregate of the NBC Sports Network permit bundle, including live-activity successions, are gone, as well. It’s the most significant change, as Emerick and Olczyk have been the voice of EA’s hockey games since NHL 15.

Outside of the new commentary group, NHL 20’s refreshed communication presentation includes increasingly vivid and dynamic graphics that show essential data in more attractive manners. In addition to extra splendid colors and more sharpened text styles, NHL 20 presents progressively exciting, slow-movement features of goal scores, just as Overwatch-style “Play of the Period” and “Play of the Game” features. These moments work superbly at separating key plays, and, with their exceptional points and close-ups, give decent moments to kick back and revel in your successes. 

Some portion of this refreshed broadcast package is another area for the score clock, which is the main significant slip-up. It’s currently at the base of the screen contrasted with the upper left in a year ago’s down – and it can’t be moved in the Settings. The new score clock area opens up more space on the screen for activity; however, I discovered it hard to rapidly and effectively observe the essential data like time left in the game, penalty minutes, and different data points while at the same time keeping my eyes on the activity. It’s a puzzling decision, particularly considering a large number of NHL 20‘s different modes keep the score clock where it was. This irregularity declines the experience, as you need to prepare your eyes in various manners relying upon which method you’re playing.

NHL 20 succeeds the most with high, tight controls that allow you to perform fundamentally any hockey move you can consider. There are likewise changes to activities and skating mechanics that cause the game to show up increasingly exact. Working off what was at that time the franchise’s best foot forward with NHL nineteen, the present year’s entrance feels faster and increasingly fluid with a more robust animation that all the more practically describes significant transitional moments like getting a pass and getting an introduction walk at a snappier pace. Generally speaking, the on-ice ongoing interaction feels quicker and all the more consistent with the genuine NHL experience. 

There are new shot actions too, which are logical and better speak to what a shot may relate to a specific piece of the ice and relying upon points, power, speed, specific player qualities, and then some. In NHL 19, your player would still finish the shot movement regardless of whether the puck never got to them, which looked strange, yet that once in a while happens this year. It additionally presents “Signature Shots” for some of the team’s best players; one of these is P.K. Subban’s blasting slapshot and Alex Ovechkin’s electric one-clock. It’s a treat to see player-specific activities in it, and it’s one more mostly NHL 20 dependably speaks to the genuine NHL experience. Moreover, goalie AI gives off an impression of being more astute this year, with netminders surrendering less delicate bounce back and settling on commonly more intelligent choices during significant situations.

The in-game attention and instructions thought of the game are extraordinary. Players look and respond as you’d expect that they should on a TV broadcast, down to how players look back toward their partners during a go head to head to the sharp pop of skates coasting over open-air lake ice. On the outdoor grounds, the dark red gleam of nightfall over the lake is something to see. On the ice, the material science structure is so reasonably introduced that I ended up jumping after enormous open-ice hits. 

Tragically, This game doesn’t do much in the field of improving player models. The character models for players, officials, and the team show up generally unaltered from a year ago. At the point when the replay camera focuses on fans on the glass, you may be considering what sort of time vacuum the league arrangement exists in for individuals never to age or take a goose not quite the same as year to year.

Ultimate Team returns too, and its critical increase is the presentation of Squad Battles. This capacity is similar to the way they do in Madden and FIFA, where you go facing HUT crews made by different players or, after launch, sports stars and famous people. Hockey Ultimate Team is tied in with crushing to gather new cards, and it stays an enjoyable experience to assemble a dream group containing legends and current stars the same, and go up against others. 

It effectively catches the ice hockey experience from the lakes to defining moments under the brilliant lights, with exceptional attention-loving care and precise yet high controls that are the best. When you get over the stun of Eddie and Doc being out of the game, the new commentary group work admirably of giving useful and fun-loving chitchat, while the game’s massive number of changed modes each have their unmistakable feel and offer that go far to make it a superb portrayal of hockey culture in all cases.

Envoi Allen is the real deal

The Cheltenham festival now feels like it was an eternity ago, as we see event after event cancelled and racing stopped in the UK.

This includes the Grand National, which was cancelled and came as a major shock to the racing world. It is not just racing that is feeling the effects, as the economy continues to struggle and both the Olympic Games and European championships have now been moved to next year. This is leading to record numbers of punters moving over to casino-based games instead of their usual sports betting each week, with many using a list of non-uk casinos here. These are proving popular for overseas punters, who are usually avid followers of UK racing.

 

As mentioned, the Cheltenham festival did go ahead, despite many calling for the event to be cancelled. It turned out to be another very successful week for the Irish, as they landed the Prestbury cup AGAIN, with both Mullins and Elliott leading the way. One horse that really stood out over the four days was Envoi Allen, who is now clearly the real deal and looks set to be the next star of national hunt racing.

 

The six year old is trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Cheveley park stud. He has now won each of his eight starts under rules, and has now achieved an RPR of 161 in his recent start. The horse continues to progress with each start and is held in the highest regard by connections and they certainly know a champion when they see one, that includes a recent Gold cup winner in Don Cossack, who landed the race in 2016.

 

Envoi Allen came into the current season with a huge reputation and big things expected. He was unbeaten in five starts that culminated with an impressive battling success in the champion bumper. He opened up this campaign over hurdles with three impressive victories and that is why he was sent off such a short priced favourite in the Ballymore on the second day of the festival.

 

Envoi Allen was held up well off the pace at Cheltenham and based on the finishing results, you could see it was a major positive to be up with the pace. As the second and third placed horses had pulled clear of the field, with a long way back to the rest. Envoi travelled well for much of the race and was still six lengths down turning for home. However, he made the ground up with ease to take up the running going to the last. He was then pushed clear up the run-in to win by just over four lengths.

Envoi Allen looks a very special horse and expectations will now be high as he goes over fences. Could he yet be a future Gold cup winner in waiting?

 

NFL Brand – Why It Is So Valuable?

Gridiron football was established in the late 1880s. The sport is a spinoff of rugby football and soccer, which began around 1845.

It didn’t take long for Americans to catch on to gridiron football in the 1880s. When the sport began, players were only permitted to touch their opponents utilizing their hands. Somewhere along the line, gridiron football became a full-contact sport. And, Americans love it. But, this does not necessarily explain why the NFL brand is so valuable. Find the answer to this question and much more about the NFL in the article below.

More Teams

You’ll find that the NFL has teams in major states. In some areas, it has two teams. This is one of the reasons the league has become so valuable. It can attract a lot of people by targeting these heavily populated areas. New York is home to the Jets and the Giants. And, it is one of the most populated states in the world. So, you can guarantee that the NFL is going to generate a lot of revenue from these areas. Thanks to these teams, the league has an easy time making money.

Growing Population

Another thing to note is that the population of the United States have grown considerably. It is increasing every year and this isn’t going to change. You can guarantee that the population is going to be higher next year and more people will even be playing baccarat online. This means that more football fans are being born every day. After a few years, they’ll become fans of the sport. They’ll watch the games with their friends and parents so they’ll get hooked.

Thanks to the growing population, the NFL as more customers to work with. This is why their value has climbed higher. There are more fans than ever. So, it is much easier to get people to watch the games. And, they’re having an easier time selling their products.

Types Of Merchandise

When it comes down to it, you will find many types of NFL merchandise. For instance, you’re going to find t-shirts featuring your favorite teams and players. You’ll also find trading cards and other items that feature them as well. The types of NFL merchandise out there are endless. This ensures that kids can buy NFL figures and toys. Adults can buy NFL clothing and hats. There is something for everyone.

The NFL can make money through many channels. This ensures that they’re able to generate more money than other organizations. Since the organization makes money through various methods, it can maximize its revenue.

Summary

At the end of the day, the NFL is one of the most valuable sports organizations in the world. This is not going to change soon. Americans love football. And, they’re willing to send thousands of dollars each year. Whether you’re buying tickets, clothing, or watching the games on television, you’re supporting the NFL. Since people love football so much, the league’s value is not going to drop. The popularity of the NFL is the main reason it is so valuable.

Royal Ascot fashion – 2020 dress code

It’s one of the fashion events of the year as Royal Ascot stand’s out as a leading trendsetter for the summer, we have details of the dress code for 2020. 

Lots of people think that Royal Ascot betting is the leading search but in actual fact, Royal Ascot fashion and dress code are far higher in google, the reason behind this is that Royal Ascot has some very strange rules that all attendees have to follow.

There was a new rule in 2017 when jumpsuits for ladies were finally added to the acceptable dress code.

Here are the rules for the Royal Enclosure if you are lucky enough to get an invite to the very elite gathering.

Royal Enclosure – Ladies

Ladies are kindly reminded that formal daywear is a requirement in the Royal Enclosure, defined as follows:

  • Dresses and skirts should be of modest length defined as falling just above the knee or longer.
  • Dresses and tops should have straps of one inch or greater. Strapless, off the shoulder, halter neck and spaghetti straps are not permitted. Dresses and tops with sheer straps and sleeves are also not permitted.
  • Jackets and pashminas may be worn. Tops and dresses underneath should still comply with the Royal Enclosure Dress Code. Midriffs must be covered.
  • Trouser suits are welcome. They should be of full-length to the ankle and of matching material and colour.
  • Jumpsuits are welcome. They should fall below the knee, with regulations matching that for dresses.
  • Hats should be worn; however, a headpiece which has a solid base of 4 inches (10cm) or more in diameter is acceptable as an alternative to a hat. Fascinators are not permitted.

Royal Enclosure – Girls

Girls (aged 10-17) should dress in accordance with the Ladies’ Dress Code. However, they may wear a headpiece or fascinator as an alternative to a hat, without any size restriction.

Royal Enclosure – Overseas Visitors

 Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal National Dress of their country or Service Dress.

Royal Enclosure – Serving Military Personnel 

 Serving military personnel are welcome to wear Service Dress or equivalent.

Premier League season ‘can be finished in 56 days’

The English Premier League Football season can be completed in 56 days when it is safe to resume, clubs have been told, but it is assumed that matches will be played behind closed doors.

A letter sent to all 72 EFL clubs by chairman Rick Parry said no training should resume until at least 16 May.

The EFL said it was hopeful the campaign could finish in the summer, but there is still no indication of when it might begin again.

All 24 sides in the Championship still had nine matches to play when the league was suspended on 13 March, while some clubs in League One have 12 games remaining. But the EFL estimates it can finish all fixtures within two months, including the play-offs.

The letter also suggested the start of next season could be delayed.

“Looking more long-term, the EFL must remain mindful of the implications that the extension of this season may have on the commencement of the 2020-21 campaign, although we will ensure there is a suitable break between the two, so as to allow clubs and staff sufficient time to regroup and prepare accordingly,” it added.

“I think there will be a sigh of relief as and when we reach that point, and what is clear right now is that Covid-19 continues to present hugely challenging and uncertain times for everyone, and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic.”