Robinski
11/02/2004, 12:42 PM
This is from the FAI site.
Division licences with two clubs receiving no licence at this stage of the process.
For confidentiality reasons, the FAI cannot reveal which clubs received the licenses though Chief Executive Officer Fran Rooney is confident that all the clubs can earn Premier Division licenses.
“We see this as a long-term process. We are one of the leading seven countries in Europe at implementing the Licenses and we have submitted an application for Government Grant Aid to help the clubs.
“The Government have indicated they are willing to help over a number of years.”
Rooney is looking at a 3-4 year time frame for implementation and estimated that it will cost between €10 million and €20 million to bring up the clubs up to Premier Division License standard, though, after phase one, he was keen to emphasise the progress that has been made.
“The club Licenses have very positive implications. This is the first time that we have examined what needs to be changed and we have covered significant ground. The League of Ireland needed work – I think everyone knew that – this is just the start.
“This isn’t a punishment process. The goal is to get all the clubs up to the standard.”
Ken Robinson, chairman of the Independent Club Licensing Committee, also stressed that the role of Licenses was not to kill off clubs, but to help them improve and he and his committee will continue working over the next few years.
“This isn’t a destination, this is a journey,” he said. “We had to change the mindset within the clubs and we were always conscious of that. I think that the people involved with all the clubs on the Licensing side were very professional.”
Rooney was quick to address the problems that this may have on the League and four clubs in Europe next season.
“UEFA have already indicated that for the first year, they will give an exemption,” he said, which is good news for Shelbourne, Bohemians, Longford Town and Cork City who are all involved in European competition next season.
On the issue of how the League will be structured next season, Rooney was keen to point out that the FAI are not looking for clubs to be kicked out.
“I have to discuss everything with the clubs. Some clubs may wish to appeal and they have five days to do so,” he said. “We need to work together with clubs and the eircom League to bring everyone up to a higher level.”
Any appeals must be submitted within five days and will be heard by an Independent Appeals Committee within seven days.
Division licences with two clubs receiving no licence at this stage of the process.
For confidentiality reasons, the FAI cannot reveal which clubs received the licenses though Chief Executive Officer Fran Rooney is confident that all the clubs can earn Premier Division licenses.
“We see this as a long-term process. We are one of the leading seven countries in Europe at implementing the Licenses and we have submitted an application for Government Grant Aid to help the clubs.
“The Government have indicated they are willing to help over a number of years.”
Rooney is looking at a 3-4 year time frame for implementation and estimated that it will cost between €10 million and €20 million to bring up the clubs up to Premier Division License standard, though, after phase one, he was keen to emphasise the progress that has been made.
“The club Licenses have very positive implications. This is the first time that we have examined what needs to be changed and we have covered significant ground. The League of Ireland needed work – I think everyone knew that – this is just the start.
“This isn’t a punishment process. The goal is to get all the clubs up to the standard.”
Ken Robinson, chairman of the Independent Club Licensing Committee, also stressed that the role of Licenses was not to kill off clubs, but to help them improve and he and his committee will continue working over the next few years.
“This isn’t a destination, this is a journey,” he said. “We had to change the mindset within the clubs and we were always conscious of that. I think that the people involved with all the clubs on the Licensing side were very professional.”
Rooney was quick to address the problems that this may have on the League and four clubs in Europe next season.
“UEFA have already indicated that for the first year, they will give an exemption,” he said, which is good news for Shelbourne, Bohemians, Longford Town and Cork City who are all involved in European competition next season.
On the issue of how the League will be structured next season, Rooney was keen to point out that the FAI are not looking for clubs to be kicked out.
“I have to discuss everything with the clubs. Some clubs may wish to appeal and they have five days to do so,” he said. “We need to work together with clubs and the eircom League to bring everyone up to a higher level.”
Any appeals must be submitted within five days and will be heard by an Independent Appeals Committee within seven days.