Waterford have become the latest League of Ireland club to temporarily lay off their players and staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Players will now have to avail of the Government's income support of €350 per week after the players were informed by e-mail that that the club had been affected financially by the current crisis.

Manager Alan Reynolds was unhappy with the way the news was communicated.

He told the Irish Independent that he was 'surprised' with the lack of advance notice.

"The first I heard about this was a notification from a player. We understand it's a tough time but there has been no communication from the club to the staff or players before we got this letter."

Waterford FC are owned by Lee Power, who also owns Swindon Town.

Before the season was halted, the club stood in sixth place after four matches.

Sligo Rovers, Cork City and St Patrick's Athletic are the other Premier Division clubs that have temporarily laid off their players and staff.

Dundalk, Bohemians and Shelbourne are continuing to pay their players, while Shamrock Rovers' players have accepted a 25 percent wage reduction.

The FAI are to hold discussions this week with clubs over the feasibility of playing matches behind closed doors.