Amateur football season could be wiped out if coronavirus restrictions are not lifted by summer

Ross-shire amateur clubs face playing no football at all in 2020 if restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic aren’t lifted in the next few months.

The Inverness and District Amateur Football Association (IDAFA) have admitted it could be forced to cancel the season if the green light to return to action isn’t made soon.

The 2020 amateur football campaign was due to kick off on Monday with 28 teams from Ross-shire, Inverness and Nairn competing in three divisions.

However, all football in Scotland was suspended on Friday, March 13 and will not restart until at least April 30.

But restrictions on football may not be lifted for several weeks after that date as the country continues to battle against the pandemic.

League secretary Donnie Stuart, who is also secretary and treasurer of league champions Maryburgh, says there’s no guarantee football can be played this summer.

He says once restrictions are lifted, clubs will need to decide if any football can be played this summer at all.

“We are dependent on information coming from the Scottish Football Association and the Scottish Amateur Football Association,” he said.

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