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01st Apr 2020

Uefa’s latest statement has left the FAI with a major dilemma

James Fenton

Uefa has this afternoon confirmed that Ireland’s Euro 2020 play-off with Slovakia has been postponed until further notice.

The original clash between Ireland and Slovakia was due to take place on Thursday, March 26 but had been pushed back until June due to the coronavirus outbreak. After a UEFA meeting today, European football’s governing body has issued a statement which says ‘All national team matches for men and women due to be played in June 2020 are postponed until further notice.’

While the news affects all 55 UEFA member associations, it leaves the FAI with a particular conundrum as to who will manage Ireland once the Covid-19 pandemic subsides.

It had been understood that Mick McCarthy would manage Ireland at the Euros this summer, if they had gone ahead and Ireland had qualified, with Kenny’s term as his successor contracted to begin on August 1. However, after the decision a fortnight ago to postpone the competition until 2021, the situation is left slightly up in the air.

With FAI confirming pay deferrals for members of staff earlier this week, it leaves the organisation with another unwanted headache.

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