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Livid First Division clubs have discussed a mass withdrawal from the League of Ireland

“Every option is being discussed, including the nuclear one and there are a number of people willing to press that button,” said one source last night.

First Division clubs remain vehemently opposed to the inclusion of Shamrock Rovers II in this season's second tier which kicks-off in four weeks.

The idea of boycotting games against the Hoops was immediately floated once Rovers’ second string was admitted on January 9.

Clubs were told they would face sanctions in that event - be it fines or even expulsion.

But matters have now escalated, such is the frustration among First Division sides at the National League Executive Committee’s decision to allow the Hoops in.

The First Division Alliance (FDA) is now demanding immediate talks with the new-look top brass of the FAI.

Gary Owens and Niall Quinn are the newly installed interim chief executive and deputy CEO of the association while Roy Barrett is the new independent chair of the board.

(Image: Philip Coburn)

Among his duties, Quinn has been tasked with leading a future strategy for the League of Ireland.

And Quinn told RTE last night: “It needs to be treated better by the association.”

The NLEC insists it followed all rules correctly when admitting Rovers II. But the FDA is asking if considered financial analysis of that decision was carried out.

The group also wants to know if ‘the governance principles of the new FAI have been adhered to’ in arriving at a decision that has thrown the season into chaos.

Another First Division source said yesterday: “If there was this much uncertainty over the Premier Division there would be uproar.”

While Shamrock Rovers II were admitted at Limerick FC’s expense, the Munster club will today be included in a new - second - set of fixtures for the First Division season.

That is a direct result of last week’s High Court decision which ruled that Limerick FC should be allowed to apply for a licence this season.

It means 11 teams will be accommodated in a 20-game season fixture list, with a Shield competition also factored in.

Predictably, First Division clubs are fuming with the concept and also with what they perceive to be a lack of communication from the top.

One club source declared yesterday: “20 games and a Shield? Nobody signed up for that.”

The initial First Division fixture list released on January 10 saw 10 teams competing in a 27-game regular season.

Fixture lists for both the Premier Division and FIrst Division remain provisional until licences are dished out to clubs on February 6.

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