FAI REFUTES GOVERNANCE ‘CONCERNS’
THE FAI hit back at claims it was losing direction by insisting it is committed to reform.
Abbotstown chiefs have until the end of July to meet certain government demands if it is to have state funding restored.
Those terms and conditions were part of the €30 million bailout it secured in January to save Irish football.
But on Monday, FAI Council member Nixon Morton revealed he wrote to FIFA and UEFA expressing concern about governance reforms under the association’s interim board.
Morton (below) claimed the increase from four to six independent board directors – as demanded by government – would result in ‘a loss of sovereignty’.
He also raised concerns over the process of appointing Gary Owens and Niall Quinn to the role of interim and deputy interim chief executive respectively.
The FAI board discussed Morton’s submission to FIFA and UEFA at a meeting on Tuesday evening.
And in a statement yesterday, the FAI said: “The Board unanimously agreed to proceed with its plans to develop a strategy incorporating a planned restructuring of the Association, supported by the required constitutional reform for the benefit of everyone involved in football in Ireland.
“The Board are further committed to implementing the highest standards of corporate governance and will ensure that all those involved in the game of football will be represented democratically in any future structure.
“The board of the FAI is available to engage in dialogue with any stakeholder with constructive input during this process, in the interest of developing and promoting the game in Ireland.”
The FAI statement concluded: “The board will continue to work on charting a safe return to football and completing the process for the appointment of a CEO.”
Meanwhile, results from Monday’s batch of Covid-19 testing at Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Derry City are expected today.