The Football Federation of Northern Ireland sacks its coach due to coronavirus
The Football Federation of Northern Ireland announced on Wednesday the dismissal of their coach, Martin O'Neill, due to the postponement of the Euro 2020 playoffs caused by the coronavirus.
According to a statement from the federation, after the meeting held on Tuesday between UEFA's 55 member associations, "it seems possible" that football governing bodies will reschedule the playoffs that will determine the final four spots for the Euro 2020 after the first matchday of the Nations League in September.
O'Neill was appointed as coach in December 2011 and was going to lead the team in the playoffs, originally scheduled for June, in which Northern Ireland would face Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"Due to the postponed matches, both parties have decided to permanently end O'Neill's tenure," said the federation.
"I would have loved the opportunity to coach the national team in these playoffs against Bosnia and have the chance to qualify for another major tournament, but given the current situation, that's not possible," O'Neill pointed out. EFE