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It will be another week before there is clarity on the First Division crisis.

Mirror Sport understands that a definitive fixture list for the second tier may not be published until Wednesday at the earliest.

That is because at least two clubs are expected to appeal the decision of the licencing committee.

An announcement from the FAI on club licences for the season ahead had been expected today.

But it will be next week before the association can shed light on the make-up of the First Division.

Six clubs - at least two from the Premier - have either not received a licence or been told to resubmit aspects of their application before getting one.

Some of the issues involved are administrative and easily resolved. Headway in addressing a number of those matters was made today.

But at least two clubs are expected to lodge official appeals which may not be heard until Wednesday at the earliest.

Shamrock Rovers II have been awarded a licence to play in the First Division.

Their league rivals remain opposed to their inclusion and the threat of boycotting games remains.

On January 10, a First Division fixture list was published for a 10-team league playing three series of games.

But that had to be redrawn when the High Court ruled that troubled Limerick FC were allowed to apply for a licence.

A second ‘draft’ fixture list for an 11-team league with two series of games and a new ‘Shield’ competition was then issued on January 24.

It was widely slammed as being unacceptable but with the First Division due to kick-off on February 21, clubs remain in the dark tonight.