Linfield are pushing to get their potential Champions League qualifier with Celtic switched to July 13 to maximise television income and accommodate travel arrangement for Orange bands.
Every UEFA Champions League second round match will be played on July 11 or 12 allowing clubs some flexibility generally to maximise television coverage with the three qualifying rounds outside of the contract with BT Sport.
July 12 has been ruled out due to anti-catholic celebrations with Police Service Northern Ireland apparently unhappy with the game being played on the evening of July 11.
Celtic would need to agree to a switch to July 13 with Linfield apparently reluctant to consider a lunchtime kick off on July 11 to reduce security fears.
Belfast based journalist Steve Beacom seems to have the inside track on Linfield and told the Daily Record: “Linfield would prefer to play on the 11th but the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) also have concerns about holding the powder-keg tie on that night.
“With bonfires lit across Belfast in anticipation of the July 12 marches, the PSNI are worried their already-stretched resources couldn’t cope with 18,000 football fans as well.
“They feel a first-leg switch to Parkhead would be the easiest solution but Linfield are desperate to play at home first as the return could be a dead rubber if they lose heavily in Glasgow.
“So if July 11 is ruled out on police advice, they plan on suggesting Thursday the 13th as an alternative and would hope for a favourable response.
“The part-time outfit, managed by ex-Rangers star David Healy, will earn £700,000 from UEFA for reaching the second qualifying round.
“And that figure will rise well north of £1m if they play Celtic, taking in gate receipts from the Windsor Park clash, advertising and merchandising.
“The Blues have already been contacted by TV companies keen to show the game in Belfast live, with BT Sport the front-runners.
“Linfield’s fear is if the first leg is switched to Parkhead and they get hammered, a return fixture in Belfast would not be as enticing for broadcasters and many fans, thus losing revenue.”
He added: “Another issue over a July 11 fixture is that many of the flights and sailings have already been booked up by bands coming from Scotland for the July 12 parades and people returning home for the bank holiday.”
With £700,000 assured for beating the champions of San Marino Linfield will just have to accept an afternoon kick off on July 11 rather than pushing for an evening kick off that compromises safety in order to maximise television and ticket income.