Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
A TRADE UNION representing Football Association of Ireland (FAI) workers says it has received reassurances from the minister for sport.
The FAI is at risk of insolvency and has previously asked the government for a guarantee of €18 million.
While Shane Ross earlier this week said the government will not bail the FAI out, the minister described a meeting with Uefa over the situation yesterday as “constructive”, adding he believes they are on a “pathway to a possible solution”.
The trade union Siptu met Ross this afternoon. “We are reasonably satisfied with the outcome of the meeting,” Siptu sector organiser, Denis Hynes, said.
“The discussions were positive, and reassurance was given to us that all the stakeholders, including the banks, Uefa and the Government, are committed to protecting the association.
“While it is going to be a long road and our members in the FAI will be facing some difficulties and further negotiations with their employer, we believe progress has been made in protecting jobs and football in the community.”
Siptu services organiser Teresa Hannick added: “Salaries will be paid in January for the staff and we are optimistic that a resolution can be found to this crisis which will protect our members and football in Ireland into the future.”
Earlier a government delegation met senior Bank of Ireland officials to discuss the FAI’s ongoing financial problems.
Government funding for the FAI has been suspended after it emerged that former chief executive John Delaney gave a €100,000 loan to the association in 2017.
It was disclosed in December that the FAI faces debts of up to €62 million.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
The FAI should go into liquidation or Chapter 11
Start a new Company with new honest directors
Don’t give taxpayers money to an insolvent company!
@Dermot O’Reilly: problem is and I am no expert. If the FAI goes into liquidation all assets can be sold to pay debts. This means there head quarters, football pitches etc, I believe the FAI new they would always get a bailout.
@jimmyd123: can’t the government buy them back after ? I’m sure someone will give a valid reason why not. Just asking
@jimmyd123: what assets. There HQ is in the National Sports Campus so is probably a leasehold from the government. They own a minority stake in a company that has a 50 years leasehold on the Aviva, probably not worth much as it’s restricted to 3 concerts a year and the IRFU are majority shareholders and will have final say. Nobody would be interested in these as there would be little return.
@John Buckley: hardly own any of the LOI facilities no?
I said it already and I’ll say it again, Uefa should be told by the government to bail out the FAI. They were very quick a few weeks ago telling the government to keep their nose out of FAI issues.
Noel Rock is after assurances he can ring someone up if he’s stuck for tickets.
This is all well and good.(yawn) but!! Is anyone watching Operation Transformation on RTE?? I’m only home from work and I’m having a quick beer(can) and I’ve just being watching this nonsense.its atrocious.And yes!! I’ve switched over.and YES,I pay my licence.
@The digenous: don’t like it? Don’t watch it. It does exactly what it says on the tin.
@roberto Mankini: Their not allowed Tins mate!
Shane Ross sorted out the problems of North Korea and the Middle East, this kind of thing is a doddle for him.
Good man Ross!
Thought that was Peter O Mahony next to him in the top photo there for a minute!
Shane Ross practice what you preach..
@Ian Fitzpatrick: Shane Ross is working on the theory that any publicity is good publicity, and he can’t be accused of personally having his own finger’s in the pie here? In other words, this is a cheap shot at getting votes, I just hope that his constituents don’t fall for it?
Go shot motorists paying tolls stand up and be counted
have your say