DFC | Dundalk FC call on the FAI to help with their Champions League preparations

Lilywhites scheduled to face Bohemians before European opener

Dundalk FC face an anxious wait to see if their fixture with Bohemians will be rescheduled in order to help their Champions League preparations.

The Lilywhites are due to face The Gypsies at Dalymount Park on Friday, July 7th which, depending on the outcome of Monday’s European draw, could be four or five days before the first leg.

Dundalk FC had been looking to bring the game forward to Wednesday, July 5th, leaving them with at least six days to prepare for the Champions League opener.

However, their attempts have hit a brick wall thus far with Bohemians wary of losing gate receipts by moving the fixture to midweek.

“We’ve requested that the game is moved,” Dundalk FC general manager Martin Connolly told Dundalk Sport, “and we’ve asked the FAI and Bohemians for their help.

“At the moment, Bohemians are citing commercial issues that they would have from moving the game from a Friday night.

“We have to respect that but at the same time we would be disappointed if it didn’t move because it could be a logistical nightmare to play on a Friday and then possibly have to fly somewhere on a Sunday or Monday.”

Connolly spoke with FAI officials on Wednesday about the issue and said the club were hopeful of a positive outcome.

“One of the things we mentioned was the profile the League of Ireland got after our success in Europe last year and surely it would benefit the league if we had the best possible preparation for such a game.

“Playing a league game, three or four days before a glamour tie like that isn’t the best preparation and that’s why we asked for it to be moved.

“We are working on it. I spoke to Fran Gavin about it this morning (Wednesday) and we will pursue it,” he added.