Institute pull out of 2020/21 Irish Cup

Sean Connor's side, who were due to face the PSNI in the last 32, have followed Queen's University, Newry City and H&W Welders in deciding to withdrawal from the competition.

The Waterside club informed the Irish Football Association of their decision, before issuing a statement this morning.

The statement said: "The Board of Institute FC, following a thorough and detailed consultation with coaches, players, and club officials, have determined that it would not be possible for us to play in the 2020/21 Irish Cup in the absence of (a) elite status and (b) additional financial support.

"We understand that this decision will have an additional detrimental impact on our supporters who have been deprived of attending live football games and supporting the team for almost a year now.

"Nonetheless, the Board have concluded that we cannot reasonably request our players to re-engage at this stage without the acquisition of elite status, and thus a guarantee of no further unscheduled cessation of training or matches. In our view, this has the potential to create additional strain on players and would be contrary to the Club’s principles on promoting individual and group wellbeing.

"Additionally, we have concluded that without the guarantee of additional financial support to cover potential expenses in relation to players, coaches, facility hire, security, travel, and refereeing costs, the Clubs financial viability could be seriously jeopardised, particularly if it transpires that any, or all, games have to be played with no, or limited, attendance.

"It has been an extremely difficult year for everyone at the club, but we hope that the reductions in Covid 19 infections and the rollout of the vaccination programme will give you all renewed hope and encouragement for the challenges ahead. For our part, we will endeavour to keep our supporters up to date with any further developments in relation to club matters via this official website and our other social media platforms."