The Irish FA yesterday (Wednesday) confirmed that the Sadler's Peaky Blinder Irish Cup, which is scheduled to start on April 27, is designated as an elite competition with all participating clubs afforded elite status - but only for the period of time they remain in the competition.

Clubs will also be permitted to commence full training under elite protocols from March 31 which will include testing for players and coaching staff.

Ballinamallard are due to take on Dergview in Round One of the competition and while Ballinamallard chairman Tom Elliott has welcomed the move to have elite status for the cup, he believes that it is crucial that the Championship is deemed as elite moving forward.

"The IFA are clarifying that for the period of the Irish Cup that we will be classified as elite and can get back training at the end of March. Obviously, that is positive in itself but it is just somewhat disappointing still that we as Championship clubs cannot get that elite status," he said.

Elliott feels that if the Championship and PIL are to be assured of completing next season then they need that status granted to them.

"I see the Chief Medical Officer indicated the other day that there is likely to be another significant spike in Covid in the autumn time. So, you could essentially get your Championship and PIL season started in August and get eight or ten games played and then all of a sudden you have to stop again.

"I do think, therefore, there is a longer term issue, this probably helps us in the short term around the Irish Cup but it doesn't help us in the longer term and that is the issue that needs addressed moving forward because we can't go through another season like this. How do you go through three seasons of stop start, not completing seasons and limited relegation and promotion. I just think it would be hugely frustrating for everyone.

"There will still be a push to get the Championship elite status going forward because I think it is the only way that we can move forward," he added.

The IFA have also said that clubs will only be permitted to play friendly matches against other participant clubs in the Irish Cup in preparation, ruling out the possibility of a regionalised competition.

"All it does is give us elite status for the Irish Cup but for nothing else. We, along with other clubs, wanted to play a regionalised tournament throughout April and May as it would have given us games and another competition to play in but obviously that is ruled out now."

In terms of the Irish Cup, Elliott says that there is a good chance that the Ducks will participate but stresses that will be down to what the players want.

"We will have to discuss that and our statement from last week doesn't change at this stage in terms of if they conditions are right.

"It would look more positive to participate but we will put the players to the fore on this and see what suits them and the club best," he said.