FAI IN FUND ALERT

THE FAI have warned clubs there will be serious consequences if they dip into the new hardship fund that is being set up by the association.

Abbotstown chiefs dropped a bombshell last week when they announced the PFAI should cough up 50% of the €300,000 proposed for the new fund.

Following opposition from the players’ representative body, the FAI have pledged to provide all of the money to assist players and clubs in financial trouble.

Interestingly, there was no communication between the FAI and the PFAI yesterday over the change of heart.

The proposal was put forward last Wednesday in the wake of the recent difficulties experienced by players at Bray Wanderers and Limerick.

But there’s a sting in the tail – last night SSE Airtricity League outfits were told that if a club avails of the fund, it will be deducted six points and will be banned from registering any new players.

There will also be an onus on the club to pay back the fund in full – and if it fails to do so by the end of the season, the club will be relegated if in the Premier Division.

If the club is in the First Division, it will be deducted a further six points and given a registration ban.

However, there was a twist late last night when Stuart Gilhooly, solicitor to PFA Ireland, inset, tweeted last night: “Very interesting news on @Soccrepublic about @Faireland agreeing to provide entire fund for unpaid players.

“First @Pfaiofficial have heard of it but nothing new there. Welcome news nonetheless. Looking forward to hearing details but certainly progress.”