Governance of the FAI

[EalingGreen]

FIFA dictates that governments can't interfere in national FA affairs.

Define "interfere" though. FAs have to follow certain rules or guidelines to secure funding and they have to follow national regulations of all kinds. So all FAs face indirect interference and oversight.

The key is that the interference cannot be unwanted i.e. if the Member Association complains to FIFA, then FIFA can - and does - apply "the nuclear option" of complete suspension from FIFA. At which point the Governments in question usually back off, since it is invariably very unpopular within the country at large to see their teams, domestic and NT, at all levels, unable to host any foreign teams or themselves play abroad.

However, what constitutes "unwanted" is key, since often the interference will take the form of: "If you [Member Association] don't do what we [Government] want, then we will withdraw all financial backing and co-operation from your organisation". At which point the MA normally "agrees" to the interference.

Considering the FAI's financial position, this latter is undoubtedly the case here.

I think the FIFA rule is to prevent direct control of FAs by the state.

Indeed.

I mean, the likes of Blatter or Infantino can't be doing with Governments looking closely into their affairs, can they?

[seanfhear]

The key is that the interference cannot be unwanted i.e. if the Member Association complains to FIFA, then FIFA can - and does - apply "the nuclear option" of complete suspension from FIFA. At which point the Governments in question usually back off, since it is invariably very unpopular within the country at large to see their teams, domestic and NT, at all levels, unable to host any foreign teams or themselves play abroad.

However, what constitutes "unwanted" is key, since often the interference will take the form of: "If you [Member Association] don't do what we [Government] want, then we will withdraw all financial backing and co-operation from your organisation". At which point the MA normally "agrees" to the interference.

Considering the FAI's financial position, this latter is undoubtedly the case here.

Indeed.

I mean, the likes of Blatter or Infantino can't be doing with Governments looking closely into their affairs, can they?

Especially the American Government !

[tetsujin1979]

‘The politics within Irish football is unbelievable’ – FAI assistant director of football Shane Robinson
https://www.independent.ie/sport/soc...350637528.html

[Crosby87]

Well it's not "unbelievable," it is corruption and incompetence and if you are the AD, then DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT

[EalingGreen]

FIFA dictates that governments can't interfere in national FA affairs.

Further to this discussion:

Spanish government to oversee football federation

Football's world governing body Fifa and European governing body Uefa say they are closely monitoring the situation with great concern.

Fifa regulations state that member nations shall manage their affairs independently and without influence from third parties.

"Fifa and Uefa will seek additional information to assess the extent to which the CSD's appointment of the so-called 'Supervision, Normalisation and Representation Commission' may affect the RFEF's obligation to manage its affairs independently and without undue government interference," they said in a joint statement.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football...s/cedxjpw28vlo

It's one thing suspending some minor Caribbean or African federation, but taking on the Spanish? You could sell tickets for that one.