FAI pulls PFAI support

THE FAI has withdrawn its support for the annual PFAI winter training camp for out of contract League of Ireland players. The Association had backed PFA Ireland’s programme for the past eight years through the use of free training pitches, kit and equipment.

However, the players’ body’s general secretary, Stephen McGuinness, has confirmed that the arrangement won’t be in place this time around.

The players will now train close by on pitches at the National Sports Campus with kit supplied by Dundalk sponsor CX Sports and balls provided by Bohemians. Shamrock Rovers will allow use of their training ground for a possible match with Linfield Reserves next month while Dundalk have offered up Oriel Park for another friendly.

The winter training camp got underway at the National Sports Campus yesterday with each of the 10 training sessions there costing €120

‘I wrote to the FAI and met with them on Friday and they just told us that it was unavailable to the PFAI,’ said McGuiness.

‘I thought it was a date clash, maybe they had something on, but that didn’t seem to be the case and I was clearly told it was unavailable to us.

‘It’s not as if the FAI weren’t applauded by us in the last eight years for their assistance. We went out of our way to say our thanks for all the kit they gave us, the facilities to train. You’ve seen how much it helped players. It’s very disappointing.

‘It’s about feeling like professionals, at a very vulnerable time right now where they don’t know what their job prospects are like. This camp gives them the head space to be able to continue to train and not worry about what’s going on.

‘You’d think, the FAI would are about that and would look over whatever issues they have with us and be able to assist players.’

The FAI said: ‘The PFAI came last Thursday looking for the pitches to play. With the notice that they gave, they just weren’t available.’