Summer soccer sceptics to be offered opt-out avenue by FAI

SUMMER FUN: FAI President Paul Cooke before the Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup semi-final. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile.

Leagues will have to apply to an FAI committee for a derogation from the summer soccer edict.

The vast majority of grassroots leagues prefer to stick with the traditional September to May format, ripping asunder plans by the FAI to begin a full transition in January with schoolboy/girl leagues.