TROUBLE IS BRUING FOR WANDERERS
BRAY WANDERERS have been booted out of the Irn-bru Cup as punishment for the non-payment of player wages over the last seven weeks.
But the FAI sanction dished out last night is likely to help the crisis club more than hinder them.
While Bray would have received a grant towards travel costs were they drawn to play in Scotland, their removal from the competition eases additional financial concerns.
Intriguingly, Limerick by rights are the next team in line to be offered Bray’s place in the competition but they too are in financial meltdown.
The FAI has also imposed a transfer embargo on Bray, insisting they will not be allowed to register any player for the remainder of the season.
A statement from Abbotstown read: “The FAI confirms that sanctions will be imposed on Bray Wanderers FC with immediate effect following the club’s failure to meet an agreed deadline of settling monies owed to players.
“FAI officials were engaged with the club over the weekend in an effort to resolve the issue of outstanding monies owed to players and another meeting took place on Monday ahead of the agreed deadline of 17:00.
“While the club insist that they are moving closer to a resolution, the FAI have imposed sanctions on the club.”
It added: “The FAI will meet again with the club on Tuesday morning in the hope that a resolution can be found to ensure that all monies owed to players are paid in full.”
As it stands, Bray players intend to strike for the home game against
Cork City on Friday week but they will play away to Bohemians this Friday.
Asked what had to happen to avert the strike against Cork, PFA Ireland chief Stephen Mcguinness (inset) said: “Players to be paid the wages owed and security of the wages given for the rest of the seasons.”
Meanwhile, the FAI met officials from Limerick last night to address outstanding monies owed to that club’s players.
A FAI statement read: “Limerick FC have confirmed a resolution whereby the club’s players will receive monies owed to them by Tuesday (today).”
The Blues have been informed they are not permitted to sign new players for the remainder of the season.