FAI defer AGM and seek more funding

THE FAI has deferred its AGM until September but will press ahead ‘in the near future’ with an EGM critical to the release of much-needed Government funds.

Roy Barrett, the chair of the FAI, has informed Council members of the need to seek ‘further financial assistance to ensure the continued viability of the Association’.

A fortnight ago, the government pledged €40m in support for the main field sports, the FAI, GAA and IRFU. Of that, the FAI is seeking around €10m.

A further €5.8m is available through Sport Ireland, should the EGM approve two critical rule changes included in the Memorandum of Understanding of January 30 as part of the FAI’s rescue package with the government, Bank of Ireland, UEFA and FIFA.

Barrett has also told Council members the EGM will be held to vote on changes to the FAI rule book and Constitution as part of ‘governance reform.’

If the rules are approved, there will be six independent directors and six football directors on the FAI board, while Council members with more than 10 years’ service would have to stand down.

That number is close to 30 and includes FAI president, Gerry McAnaney, who only took office in January.

All rule changes require a two thirds majority, which will not be straightforward.

The AGM had been fixed for Galway on July 25 but will now be rescheduled to allow for Covid-19 restrictions and for external auditors Grant Thornton to prepare accounts.