Derry City face disciplinary action as entire squad told to self-isolate for 14 days

The Brandywell club has confirmed to the FAI it is unable to fulfil Wednesday night's SSE Airtricity League fixture against Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium after one squad player and one staff member tested positive for coronavirus.

The FAI confirmed in a statement tonight the matter will now be referred to the governing body's Disciplinary Committee in accordance with FAI rules and the Participation Agreement.

Declan Devine's team could be forced to forfeit the match with Rovers awarded a 3-0 walkover, meaning the club's slim hopes of securing European football would be gone.

Derry's FAI Cup quarter-final against Sligo Rovers scheduled for the Showgrounds on Sunday afternoon has, however, been postponed.

The Candy Stripes will be allowed to return to action after November 6th which means they can fulfil their final league fixture against Cork City at Turner's Cross on November 8th.

While Shamrock Rovers were permitted to postpone three league fixtures including the home game against Derry, originally scheduled for October 16th due to two positive Covid-19 cases in their squad, it's understood the FAI were unwilling to extend the league campaign further.

The association had ruled last week there would be no further postponements this season for Covid-19 reasons to ensure the league campaign concluded without further delay.

The letter to clubs only referred to the postponement of league matches, therefore FAI Cup games are unaffected by the new ruling.

"Derry City Football Club have confirmed to the Football Association of Ireland that they are unable to fulfil Wednesday night’s SSE Airtricity League Premier Division fixture at Shamrock Rovers due to positive COVID-19 test results from players and staff at the club," said the FAI.

"The club have also informed the FAI that Northern Ireland’s Public Health Agency has stood down their entire first team squad and staff for a 14-day period of self-isolation, until November 6th inclusive, following these positive tests.

"As a result of this confirmation from Derry City FC, the failure to fulfil Wednesday night’s fixture against Shamrock Rovers will now be referred to the FAI’s Disciplinary Committee in accordance with FAI Rules and the Participation Agreement.

"Derry City’s Extra.ie FAI Cup quarter-final with Sligo Rovers, which was due to be played at the Showgrounds this Sunday, has been postponed. The FAI will look at potential new dates for this fixture in due course.