Officials to discuss how to end F&W season tonight

THE management committee of the Fermanagh and Western League will hold discussions this evening (Thursday) in a bid to agree recommendations that can be put to all member clubs as to how the season should be completed.

 

With current Covid-19 lockdown restrictions still in place, the Irish Football Association has written to all affilated leagues asking for their plans on the completion of the season to be submitted by Saturday, May 16.

 

Earlier this week league chairman Neil Jardine presented a paper outlining the various options available in advance of this evening’s discussions which will be held using Zoom.

 

These included playing the remaining fixtures which would require nine rounds of matches, declaring the season null and void, promoting some teams which have already gained promotion or finalising league tables by using an average points system.

 

Chairman Jardine said the meeting was called to try and agree a consensus that can be put to member clubs.

 

“The plan will be to email that to clubs and give them 48 hours or whatever to come back with what their preferred option is or their vote is,” he said.

 

Fixtures secretary Malcom McVitty has also drawn up a set of potential fixtures to assist management committee members in making an informed recommendation which can be brought forward.

 

As it stands there are 117 games outstanding with 43 of those in Division One, just eight in Division Two and 17 in Division Three.

 

At this point it appears everything is on the table and Jardine accepted that there would be winners and losers whatever the final outcome.

 

“There is right and wrong no matter what way you look at it,” he continued.

 

Jardine also accepted that the IFA may well take the decision out of everybody’s hands and ultimately make the final call themselves.