With the decision on Cork City's licence application now being deferred until after their High Court case comes up for mention next Monday it now means that the line-up and fixtures for the premier division will not be known until just 12 days before the league is due to kick-off on March 5th.In making its decision the Independent Club Licensing Committee made reference to the protection of creditors, such as club employees, other clubs and the Revenue as being a factor in its decision.

Colm Crosson, Dundalk FC Communications Manager reported a mixture of frustration and anger at the clubs board meeting last night "it is entirely laudable that the FAI are considerate of creditors, but this is a step too far. It is pretty obvious that Cork City do not hold the required tax clearance certificate at the close-off date, and that the rules and regulations are being applied unevenly. We have no wish for any club to be denied a rightful place in the league, and have empathy for Bray Wanderers and their supporters in the current uncertainty. In relation to the Europa League, we expect to be nominated as the League of Ireland's third representative and we will be making our feelings known in no uncertain terms to the FAI. The additional ambiguity about our initial series of fixtures is an inconvenience for the club and it's supporters, although Europa League nomination and the application of fair play are the fundamental issues. We expect the FAI and the Independent Club Licensing Committee to do the right thing when eventually the decisions are finally announced"