Draft report of probe into FAI delayed after Delaney’s exit

THE Sport Ireland-commissioned audit into the affairs of the FAI has been delayed “in light of developments in recent days”, in what is understood to be a reference to John Delaney’s resignation.

Northern Ireland firm KOSI was due to submit its draft report next Monday.

However, a letter from Sport Ireland chief John Treacy to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport revealed there will be a delay.

Committee sources believe the news of Mr Delaney’s exit and discussions around the size of his severance package lie behind the request.

It was announced late on Saturday night that Mr Delaney had left the FAI.

He is believed to have left the association with a package in the region of €350,000.

The FAI has come under massive political pressure to reveal the details of this exit package and officials are expected to be grilled on the issue by members of the Sport Committee.

However, the delay in the KOSI report is also likely to push back any appearance by FAI officials before TDs and senators.

The Sport Committee had sought an appearance by Sport Ireland, which oversees State funding to sporting organisations, on October 16.

State funding to the FAI has been suspended amid the controversy that has hit the organisation in recent months.

Mr Treacy informed the committee, which is chaired by Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd, that it would not be able to take up an invitation to appear on that date due to the change in the time-line for the KOSI report.

It is unclear when the report will be completed.

Mr Treacy said it would be “premature” for Sport Ireland to attend the committee before the audit process is completed.

Mr Treacy’s letter says: “In light of developments in recent days, KOSI has requested additional time to seek and review extra material from the FAI.

“Given the vital importance of the matter, this request for additional time has been granted by Sport Ireland.”