FAI confirm entire Republic of Ireland squad returned negative Covid tests

Padraig Conlon 01 Sep 2020

Republic of Ireland players during a training session at FAI National Training Centre in Abbotstown, Dublin. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The FAI has confirmed that the entire Republic of Ireland squad returned negative test results for Covid-19 today before they flew out for Thursday’s Nations League clash with Bulgaria.

The players and coaching staff are currently operating in a UEFA bubble, meaning separate training facilities from their hosts, and no leaving the accommodation provided.

The association received a special derogation from the Irish government in order to be able to fulfil the fixture, as Bulgaria is not on the so-called ‘green list’ of safe countries to travel to.

“This latest round of negative results is very welcome,” said the FAI’s Medical Director Dr Alan Byrne.

“We have adhered to all HSE and UEFA guidelines and we again thank the Government for their support to allow us to compete in the UEFA Nations League this week.”

Bulgaria are set to be without experienced defender Vasil Bozhikov for the clash at the Vasil Levski Stadium after his club Slovan Bratislava yesterday refused to release him for the fixture.