Call on Government to review FAI rescue deal
THE incoming Government should review the terms of the rescue deal agreed with the FAI to avoid ‘a split’ between the association’s hierarchy and the football community. Fianna Fáil TD Marc MacSharry fears the simmering unrest prompted by the demands of the Memorandum of
Understanding, signed on January 30 as part of the €30m bail-out, could ‘destroy football’ if allowed to fester. ‘It’s my view that the next Government should revisit the MoU between the Government and the FAI,’ urged MacSharry. ‘Regarding the MoU clause on the increase of the FAI board’s independent directors being increased from four to six, the FIFA and UEFA statutes declare that a majority has to come from football.’ MacSharry believes the proposed cull next month of all FAI Council members with more than 10 years service is ‘a betrayal’ of those who have given ‘a lifetime of voluntary effort to grassroots football.’ The Sligo-Leitrim TD is concerned that Minister of Sport, Shane Ross, is ‘trying to tar everyone with one brush’ but says a clear out of ‘anybody implicated with poor governance in the past
is welcome,’ added MacSharry. Athlone Town have called on FAI Council member Nixon Morton to withdraw his submission of complaint about the FAI to FIFA and the UEFA. Yesterday, the First Division club disassociated itself with Morton’s submission which they believe are not the views of ‘the vast majority of those involved in Irish football’. The club also backs the reforms of the Memorandum of Understanding agreed on January 30 which includes the controversial six-six directors’ split on the FAI board and the removal of 29 FAI Council members by next month. The statement says, ‘ATAFC fully supports this move, and does not see why anyone, FIFA and UEFA included, should be concerned by it. ‘In light of everything that has become known, a clearing of the FAI decks is something that is not just desired, but is required,’ said ‘In order to rebuild faith, new independently-appointed people must come and ensure that the FAI is properly run, and not just for the benefit of a select few. The changes may end the tenures of persons who had no hand, act or part, in the making of the situation the FAI currently finds itself in. ‘However, the club believes that this move is a price well worth paying.’ Athlone regards the timing of Morton’s missive when Irish football is ‘in a forced hiatus’ as ‘regrettable.’ The step towards a return of competitive football continued yesterday when the FAI reported no positive Covid-19 tests among players and staff at Dundalk,
Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians and Derry City. The second batch of tests were carried out on Monday. All four clubs will undergo further testing on Monday next when they return to collective training, as part of the pilot programme to ensure a safer return for football at all levels under the jurisdiction of the FAI. The clubs are due to take part in a mini-tournament in Tallaght Stadium at the end of July as part of their preparation for UEFA club competition. In the meantime, a contrite Bohemians last night apologised for ‘any offence caused’ after admitting breaching the FAI’s health and safety guidelines by training six times in Dublin parks since May 18. ‘We accept that facilitating small group training sessions was contrary to FAI advice,’ said a spokesperson for the club. FAI Interim CEO Gary Owens accepted the apology by the Dublin club. Details of UEFA’s plans for the qualifying rounds of the 2020-21 Champions League and Europa League will be finalised at the June 17 summit of the UEFA Executive Committee.