Derry City enter 'Ultimate Quaran-team' worldwide FIFA event in response to Coronavirus lockdown

With leagues across the world suspended due to the threat of coronavirus, Letyon Orient's social media team has invited clubs to enter the 'Ultimate Quaran-team' tournament in a bid to beat the boredom.

League of Ireland clubs, Dundalk, Cork City, Bray Wanderers, Shamrock Rovers, Finn Harps and Waterford have all been accepted and despite initial fears Derry City's request had been blanked by the League Two club's Twitter administrators, the Brandywell club's entry has since been confirmed.

The Candy Stripes could well get a chance to avenge a 10-2 aggregate defeat to Danish outfit, FC Midtjylland who were responsible for putting the club out of the UEFA Europa League at the first round qualifying stage in 2017 should they get paired together.

Perhaps another meeting with Portugeuse powerhouse, Benfica could be on the cards or could former Candy Stripes, James McClean or Ronan Curtis take up the mantle against their old clubs with both Stoke City and Portsmouth involved in the event. Or could Stephen Mallon take on one of his Sheffield United teammates in an interesting battle of the Candy Stripes?

English champions, Manchester City, West Ham United, Crystal Palace, Wolves and Shane Duffy's Brighton are also involved in the hastily arranged competition while a North West derby could well be on the cards as Ballybofey men, Finn Harps have also joined in on the fun. Ex Derry City midfielder, Aaron McEneff is also an avid FIFA fan and could be involved in a duel against his hometown club.

The specifics of the tournament are as of yet unknown, but some rules have been laid down by Orient.

Each club will choose a representative - whether it be a first-team player or a fan - for their team, and will play as their team on FIFA. With nearly 2,000 retweets on their original tweet already, the tournament has been expanded to 128 teams from the original 64 required.

With more and more teams set to enter, using the hashtag #UltimateQuaranTeam, a live draw will be hosted on Tuesday with a first-round tie against Premier League champions Manchester City surely the pick everyone will want to avoid.

The much-needed activity has excited a number of supporters desperate to represent their favourite club in the tournament.

As of now, it's uncertain who will represent Derry City in the tournament but in an interesting twitter exchange it seems, striker, Adam Liddle and winger, Mallon could represent the club, while Jamie McDonagh has put forward, Eoin Toal and Darren Cole to take up the mantle.

Whoever it is, fans will be glad to see a bit of football action, albeit virtual, during this period of lockdown.