The chairman of Cork City has called on League of Ireland fans to continue financially supporting clubs during the lull in fixtures due to the coronavirus outbreak.
League of Ireland football was yesterday postponed until March 29th as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. The announcement was made after a meeting with the Government, Department of Health officials, and other national sporting bodies.
Four thousand supporters had been expected at tonight's match between Cork City and Bohemians that is now not going ahead.
Cork City chairman Declan Carey told Newstalk Breakfast earlier it's important fans continue to financially support their clubs if possible.
"That kind of revenue to any club being lost is huge in terms of our cash-flows. I think it's a message for all League of Ireland fans really this Friday and Saturday, across the First Division as well, if you were planning on going to a game pay the ten or fifteen euros to your club.
"Continue to buy tickets, continue to buy merchandise through online stores or club shops if they're still open. That kind of financial support is crucial at the moment, and will certainly alleviate some of the challenges and risks that we face at the moment."
Carey added that the financial revenues associated with ticket sales are of major importance to Irish clubs.
Tomorrow evening's match against Bohemians has been postponed, as part of the Covid-19 prevention measures.
You can still purchase tickets for the game through Eventbrite, which will be valid when a new date has been announced.
🎟: https://t.co/K9erlTvsbJ#CCFC84 pic.twitter.com/qNrBdmjWcK— Cork City FC (@CorkCityFC) March 12, 2020
"Gate receipts are of huge importance to us in terms of our overall cashflows and revenues and how we get by from season-to-season and week-to-week.
"It's going to be extremely difficult. We've communicated now to all of our staff and players what our policies are going forward. It'll be extremely difficult to work with... look, we're not the only League of Ireland club in this position.
"I suppose at this stage we just hope now that the League of Ireland community will all [come] together and all help each other and supporters of clubs will all support clubs in whatever way they can - whether that be financially or just helping out in any way."
On the cessation of domestic activities, the FAI released a statement yesterday that explained the situation.
The FAI made this decision after a meeting in Dublin today with Government, the Department of Health and stakeholders from other national sporting bodies.
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.
