FAI suspend all League of Ireland fixtures with immediate effect

Derry City is set to miss out on FOUR league fixtures during that period including games against Sligo Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic, Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne.

The FAI made the decision after a meeting in Dublin today with Government, the Department of Health and stakeholders from other national sporting bodies.

A statement from the governing body read: "The decision has been taken in light of the growing threat posed by the COVID-19 outbreak and in the best interests of our players, coaches, volunteers, supporters and staff. This decision will be monitored on an ongoing basis.

"The FAI again met with representatives from the National League Executive Committee and the Professional Footballer’s Association of Ireland today, and continues to work with both bodies to help our clubs and players through this difficult time.

"The FAI remains in communication with the Department of Health and UEFA on COVID-19 and will continue to follow all government guidelines."

Derry City boss, Declan Devine welcomed the suspension of fixtures, stating the welfare of the players, supporters and staff was paramount.

"We were really looking forward to the game (against Sligo Rovers) but it's completely out of our hands now," added Devine. "The welfare of the people, the players, the staff, the supporters is paramount.

"Of course we're heeding the warnings from those who are passing it down to us but ultimately nobody knows the extent of this and it can affect anybody. It could affect nobody but I think the right decision has been made in terms of suspending everything at this moment in time.

"The big thing for us is making sure we stay healthy and stay fit but we also have to be ready for when football comes back.

"Hopefully the coronavirus can be contained and they can come up with a solution to this. Where we're at at this moment in time, we can't look forward. We've got to take guidance off everyone and we can't really plan as such."