The FAI have extended the nomination process for the roles of President and Vice-President of the association. 

The delay is a direct result of the coronavirus shutdown.

The FAI's Independent Chairperson wrote to AGM Members of the FAI on Friday confirming the extension.

The roles are currently occupied by Gerry McAnaney and Paul Cooke and were due to be up for election at an FAI AGM scheduled for Galway on Saturday July 25.

Nominations for both roles were due to close on April 30.

McAnaney was elected President in January of 202o at an EGM having previously been pipped to the role of Vice-President by Cooke in July of 2019.

With the extension of the nomination process, the FAI have invoked FAI Rule 17, Part B which "allows the Board of the FAI to change the date for the submission of completed nomination forms for the position of President and Vice-President."

In view of the COVID-19 lockdown, the Board of the FAI will review and determine a new date for nominations based on Government guidelines on the restriction of movement procedures which are currently in place until May 5 at the earliest.

Barrett's also informed AGM members that any extension of the current restrictive measures "could see the Board investigate other ways in which nominations can be submitted."

They may also seek alternative arrangements for the AGM.

A statement on the matter concludes, "The Board of the FAI intends, if possible, to hold an EGM as soon as restrictions have been lifted when it will present an Electoral Code to members which will set out eligibility criteria for the Board and the electoral system to be utilized at the 2020 AGM.

"Work on the Electoral Code is continuing with the assistance of UEFA and FIFA."