Dundalk admit ‘next 24 hours is a critical time for the club’ as they battle for survival

And while the club have said they are hopeful of securing a deal to bring in investment which can keep them alive for the remainder of the campaign, there is still a major concern over their ability to see out the season, such is the serious nature of their debt situation.

Dundalk owner Brian Ainscough conceded in a statement last week that the club were in a perilous position due to their financial ill health. Players and staff were paid last week, having missed payment of their wages the previous week, but meeting ongoing bills to creditors such as bus companies, food and kit suppliers and an Garda Síochána is a huge worry.

Speaking at the FAI AGM on Saturday Stephen McGuinness, general secretary of players’ union the PFAI, said the union had a concern that Dundalk “could go out of business within the next couple of weeks”. Players being balloted on strike action – which would leave the club unable to fulfil their fixtures – remains an option for the PFAI to examine.

It’s believed that the FAI have advanced prize money due to the club ahead of schedule but the association have made it clear that they cannot bankroll Dundalk to keep up with wages and other costs.

Dundalk being unable to see out the season and fold with immediate effect would have a huge impact on the overall league with the potential for all results involving Jon Daly’s side to be scrubbed from the record, as happened when Monaghan United, the last LOI club to go bust mid-season, folded in 2012.

Ainscough, who took over Dundalk earlier this year after a spell of involvement with Kerry FC, has reportedly told club staff that he’s hopeful of bringing in finance to see the club through the immediate crisis and see out the campaign.

The club were forced to issue a statement on Sunday night clarifying their position and responding to a claim on social media that the closure of the club was imminent, but there was no sign of good news for worried fans, staff and players.

“We are fully aware of the rumours and false information that is circulating on social media this evening. Our owner is in discussions with different groups, domestically and overseas. The next 24 hours is a critical time for the club and we hope that we can get a deal done that keeps us going forward. We will keep everyone updated with any developments,” Dundalk said in a statement on Sunday evening.

Having been away to Waterford in their last game and with another away fixture next weekend, Dundalk have just one home match, against Bohemians, over the next month.