A POSITIVE SPIN JOHN IT..
Delaney: Dundalk will be fine and it is great kids can see Man United in Dublin
JOHN DELANEY claims Dundalk’s potential fixture clash with Manchester United is a ‘positive problem’ to have. And the FAI chief won’t rule out opening Aviva Stadium to the Lilywhites 24 hours before United play there, if it’s required. Jose Mourinho’s (inset) Europa League winners play Italian side Sampdoria in a friendly at the Dublin venue on August 2. But that’s a Champions League qualifier date, as is the day before, and if Dundalk progress through their opening tie, they would play on one of those two nights. Lilywhites boss Stephen Kenny said it would be ‘disappointing’ if there is a direct clash. But Delaney said yesterday: “It’s positive to have Manchester United coming to Dublin so that kids can see Manchester United play against Sampdoria. “Anybody who sees that as a negative... I don’t know why. “In terms of Dundalk, I hope they do make great progress in the Champions League. “If there was a clash, we’ve already spoken through Fran Gavin to UEFA and we’ll ensure Dundalk get to play their game in the circumstances, as well as Manchester United.” Delaney noted that the FAI “gave” Dundalk the Aviva Stadium for their Champions League play-off clash with Polish giants Legia Warsaw last season. He added: “It’s a positive problem and I hope it becomes a positive problem. We’ll work with the club and UEFA in those circumstances.” If Dundalk progress, they could land Celtic or Ajax in the third qualifying round, so the Aviva may be required. Quizzed on this, Delaney said: “I wouldn’t rule that out. Absolutely. “Let’s see how Dundalk progress first. “Hopefully it’s a positive, that they go forward, but I wouldn’t rule the Aviva out at all.” Meanwhile, the investigation into alleged match fixing and suspicious betting patterns at Athlone Town is ongoing. Having quizzed the club’s officials and players, FAI officials Fran Gavin and Rhea Walsh were yesterday carrying out further interviews. But Delaney – who said he never met the club’s mysterious investors – could not put a timeframe on when the probe will end. He said: “Rhea and Fran will work on their report and if charges arise out of that, they’ll go to the disciplinary committee and we’ll take it from there. “You would hope (for a conclusion) sooner rather than later but again they have to make sure they meet everyone and even today there are meetings.”