NIFL set provisional dates for Premiership and Championship play-offs

Promotion and relegation from the top flight of local football won't be decided until early next month, the Northern Ireland Football League have confirmed

It's as Warrenpoint Town appeals their refusal of an Irish Football Association (IFA) licence - a decision they have appealed.

In a statement, NIFL said: "The NI Football League can confirm we have met with all affected member clubs this morning (Tuesday May 2nd) to look at possible outcomes and timelines to finish the current season.

"All parties have agreed there is no other option but to allow the Warrenpoint Town appeals process to run its course and have agreed provisional dates of Tuesday May 30th and Saturday June 3rd for the Promotion-Relegation Play-Offs."

The hearing for Warrenpoint Town’s appeal has been scheduled for Wednesday May 10th, and NIFL will review the playoff dates week commencing Monday May 15th - but have confirmed no matches will take place earlier than the provisional dates outlined.

NI Football League Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor said, “We as an organisation find ourselves caught up in a situation that we have no control over or involvement in.

“We envisage this situation will continue for a number of weeks and it will have an impact on the league at all levels, so we have worked to provide a provisional clear pathway for clubs to complete their seasons. It is imperative we continue to engage and communicate with member clubs as best we can.

“I have total sympathy with all sides in a very unfortunate situation, and we will continue to support where possible and hopefully the correct outcome will emerge at the end of the process.”

The European Play-Off series will continue as planned, with confirmation of fixtures and dates to be announced following the Irish Cup Final.

Provisional Dates for Playoffs

Tuesday May 30th

Premiership Promotion-Relegation Play-Off – First Leg

Championship Promotion-Relegation Play-Off – First Leg

Saturday June 3rd

Premiership Promotion-Relegation Play-Off – Second Leg

Championship Promotion-Relegation Play-Off – Second Leg