The NI Football League has confirmed that its Covid-19 policy has been “stood down” with immediate effect.
Member clubs were informed of the decision, which was made due to the changing Covid-19 landscape, earlier today.
The policy was introduced at the height of the pandemic and prior to the 2020/21 Danske Bank Premiership season.
In correspondence seen by Belfast Live, clubs were told that the decision to park the policy was made “following a board review and recent changes in government regulations”.
It is understood the move has also been made with sporting integrity in mind and is aimed at preventing the unnecessary postponement of future fixtures.
If a club does face significant Covid related challenges in terms of fulfilling games in the coming weeks, they can make a request to an “independent panel” to rule on the matter.
The panel would use the “guiding principles of the policy alongside relevant league rules and regulations”.
NIFL chief executive Gerard Lawlor said the league’s position would remain under review and take into consideration ongoing government guidance.
“With government regulations changing and other areas of society moving on, we feel now is the right time to stand down the Covid policy,” he said.
“We will return to normal league rules for the business end of the season. It goes without saying that we will keep the situation under review and the policy is always there to call upon if required in the future.”
Friday night's scheduled league fixture between Carrick Rangers v Linfield was called off at late notice as a result of NIFL's Covid-19 policy.
