What the FAI thinks of progressive clubs:

[Lim till i die]

Believe it or not, "unsound mind" is actually a recognised legal term used to describe someone who is not fit for trial. Presumably, it would entail a mental assessment of the individual in question.


Believe it or not, my tongue may have been firmly in my cheek when posting that. :rolleyes:

[KevB76]

looking through further, this may be more relevant;

Friendly matches
19.14 No participant club can arrange any match without the prior written consent of the league director....

19.14.1 Permission for friendly macthes is given on the strict understanding that the participant clubis able to fulfil its competitive fixture schedule

(i.e to fulfil its own fixtures, not leave the date free for other clubs fixtures)

19.14.4 Applications for friendly matches ... must be made in writing to th eleague director at least 5 days before the fixture

[Magoo..O'O]

Can they just call it a Limerick 11 v Barcelona and don't bother asking for permission? Like Ireland 11 v Brazil back in 1974!
Why do I smell a rat or two here - a petty power struggle and a (tiny) bit of testosterone - let's see whose got the biggest etc
Hard to credit it .. Real Madrid Man u and Barca all in the space of 6 months - can anyone top it ! Argentina arrive in August as World Champions !!
What a pity Anglo Irish Bank and others did'nt squander their billions on football - at worst it would have been patriotic! Just a thought.

[DannyInvincible]

Thanks.

A quick scan through reveals;

3. Commercial Contracts
3.6 Where there is a conflict between an FAI contract and a new commercial contract entered into by a club then the FAI contract shall prevail
3.7 The FAI may inform participant clubs of the relevant terms and obligations of commercial contracts entered into by the FAI which may have an effect on new commercial contracts proposed to be entereed into by a club

Sounds to me they're using 3.6 as a reason, but this begs the question why dont they comply with 3.7 and tell the club what the exact conflict is.

3.7 doesn't oblige the FAI to do anything though. It simply acknowledges that they have a right to inform the club if they so wish, which is rather convenient. They "may" inform the club, or they may not; it's left up to their own whim and they don't have to do anything if they don't want to. Essentially, it means nothing then. I do, however, for the sake of integrity and decency, think they ought to be transparent about this, divulge the exact details of these apparent agreements and explain why they've entered into them. At least then we'll be able to properly judge the merits of their refusal to sanction the game.


Believe it or not, my tongue may have been firmly in my cheek when posting that. :rolleyes:

Touché. No harm done. :)

[Kildareman]

Without reading through 7 pages.... Friday July 17 2009 Waterford United played Ipswich Town and Kildare County played Leyton Orient. Also on that night there were 2 Premier League games and 2 First Division games on. These were played at Drogheda Galway Shelbourne and Wexford.
This decision was made so as not to coincide with the rugby in the Aviva and to deny Limerick the first bite at Barcelona.
Rather childish really from the same people that wanted to be the 33rd team in Africa (cringe).

[blueboy2]

Apparently they are bringing over more higher profile players than Utd and the F.A.I. are not too happy so much so as to try get Barca to play in the Aviva instead.
SHAME.

[Dodge]

Without reading through 7 pages.... Friday July 17 2009 Waterford United played Ipswich Town and Kildare County played Leyton Orient. Also on that night there were 2 Premier League games and 2 First Division games on. These were played at Drogheda Galway Shelbourne and Wexford.
This decision was made so as not to coincide with the rugby in the Aviva and to deny Limerick the first bite at Barcelona.
Rather childish really from the same people that wanted to be the 33rd team in Africa (cringe).

Just quoting to emphasise it. Great stuff Kildaremen, hopefull people in Limericjk will mention it, next time Delaeny calls

[blueboy2]

The talk in Limerick is that Delaney is due to open Summerville Rvs new dressing rooms in Limerick TOMORROW.

[SkStu]

The talk in Limerick is that Delaney is due to open Summerville Rvs new dressing rooms in Limerick TOMORROW.

it'd be like JFK going ahead with his trip to Dallas...

anyone got a magic bullet, get Gavin aswell?

[Kildareman]

I bet Noel Mooneys hiding in the broom cupboard hoping not to get drawn into this.

[desaintsno.12]

hope he gets serious stick down there

[LK37oldskool]

If you dont think the the FAI have a bias against us let me inform you that they screwed us last year as well.We had 2 friendlies lined up against Middlesborough and Ipswich which they denied us permission to play due to the Internationals being played at Thomand Park around that time(South Africa&Australia). That shower will never give us a break.Hope tha Aviva stadium breaks them. BTW if its true that Deleaney is coming down tomorrow he better hire some serious security,the general mood at last nights game dos'nt bode well for him getting a friendly reception.

[Rasputin]

The talk in Limerick is that Delaney is due to open Summerville Rvs new dressing rooms in Limerick TOMORROW.
What does the Mc Carthy/Dundons schedule look like today?

[gael353]

looks like someone was telling some porkies http://www.rte.ie/aertel/222-02.html

also mr delaney has arrived at summervilles new facility with...............his wife! :cyclops:

[Dalymountrower]

looks like someone was telling some porkies http://www.rte.ie/aertel/222-02.html

also mr delaney has arrived at summervilles new facility with...............his wife! :cyclops:


Did they arrive in a glass carriage with Fran Gavin and Noel Mooney serving as footmen?

[Jofspring]

This comes from one of the lads on the Limerick FC fans forum. He has asked someone to make this point on foot so i will just quote him.


The ONLY correspondence Limerick FC have recieved regarding the refusal to sanction this game was the 3 line fax stating that the game clashes with Airtricity league fixtures. Any subsequent reason given by the FAI is completely irrelevent as far as i'm concerned. They gave us their official reason, that excuse simply wasn't good enough. When the public and the media saw this they were of the same opinion, it was only then the FAI came up with these new reasons. As i've said Limerick FC have recieved no OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE from the FAI citing these new reasons. As far as Limerick FC are concerned the only official reason this game wasn't sanctioned is due to it cashing with Airtricity fixtures. Their other excuses, released to the media and not the club smack of desperation and we'll take those excuses apart aswell just for good measure.

When you take into consideration what Kildareman has posted a few posts back it just shows what bull the FAI are trying to come up with.

[DannyInvincible]

Here's a Daniel McDonnell piece from the Independent today on John Delaney's lobbying to FIFA to have Bohs' potential Champions League third round qualifier moved to another date as it would clash with his Man Yoo-Aviva jizz-fest: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/fais-manuturn-2181578.html

It's farcical, insulting and makes us the laughing stock of Europe, but especially rich and galling is the bit about Limerick.


Delaney added that preliminary discussions have taken place if an embarrassing clash with a crucial Bohemians Champions League game the same night arises.

If Bohs win their second qualifyinground tie, the stage where they enter as a seeded team, then the decisive encounter in the third round, which would have huge ramifications for the domestic game, would be scheduled to played on either August 3 or August 4.

The timing is particularly unfortunate given that one of the reasons offered to Limerick FC for blocking their lucrative friendly with Barcelona is a clash with Airtricity League fixtures.

Delaney said that the FAI would lobby to have the Bohemians showdown moved to the Tuesday – 24 hours before the visit of Manchester United – if that situation developed.

“We can certainly talk to UEFA if Bohemians make their way through, which I really hope they will do,” said Delaney. “We’re in preliminary discussions with UEFA in terms of the ability to move games if we need to do so.”

That would indicate that it is entirely within the realm of the FAI's power to free up Limerick from their "obligation to retain ownership" of the date of the now-cancelled friendly with Barcelona. Or, if they are restrained from doing this by UEFA rules, at least they could demonstrate a bit of consistency and lobby the body on this as well. Whilst I'd previously highlighted that it was most likely in Limerick's participation agreement, I no longer feel that the reason given by the FAI for refusing to sanction the game on this basis stands up as valid in my book due to their inaction and inconsistency on the matter. It's patently obvious they could do something for Limerick here if needs be.

That leaves the only remaining excuse as these mystery "third party commercial agreements". I don't hold much hope for seeing these agreements being waived through the consent of all those party to them, but the full details of these need to be made known to Limerick as it's not at all acceptable that some contract from which Limerick will never benefit is preventing them from hosting a friendly game against Barcelona. I wonder were clubs ever made aware of the details of these agreements at the time of the FAI signing up to them, seeing as they seem to directly impinge upon them...


If you dont think the the FAI have a bias against us let me inform you that they screwed us last year as well.We had 2 friendlies lined up against Middlesborough and Ipswich which they denied us permission to play due to the Internationals being played at Thomand Park around that time(South Africa&Australia).

Honestly, get the notions of an anti-Limerick bias out of your head. It's embarrassing.


looks like someone was telling some porkies http://www.rte.ie/aertel/222-02.html

In fairness, I only think the FAI claimed they'd been in consultation or something with Barca anyway. They certainly never suggested there was anything solid in place. By the way, that page has changed now to the hoo-ha over the Vantage Tickets.

[osarusan]

Interesting piece on the Indo website this morning.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/fai-pulls-defeat-from-jaws-of-victory-2182023.html


FAI pulls defeat from jaws of victory
........
The same greed prevents Limerick from staging a game that would be a massive boost for soccer in the south west. Only the FAI, so it seems, may profit from big-name friendly matches and woe betide anyone who gets in the way of their money-spinning.
.........
Limerick should be allowed to bring Barcelona to Thomond Park, and the FAI should be applauding the forward-thinking of a club that operates in rugby's heartland.

By blocking it, Delaney (pictured) creates the impression that the FAI wants to gazump its members, not support them.


And the Irish Examiner

http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/limerick-and-barcelona-ratchet-up-the-pressure-on-fai-in-bid-to-revive-clash-119867.html



Limerick and Barcelona ratchet up the pressure on FAI in bid to revive clash


Back on Shannonside, Kieran MacSweeney, President of Limerick Chamber said: "If one of the top clubs in the world is willing to come to Thomond Park to play, why is our national football association unwilling to support this? "

[LK37oldskool]

It seems the FAI have no problem with Madrid coming over again this summer,then again they are playing in Dublin.

[Treaty Gooner]

looks like someone was telling some porkies http://www.rte.ie/aertel/222-02.html

also mr delaney has arrived at summervilles new facility with...............his wife! :cyclops:

Was he there? I was at portland yesterday and never saw him??

[Jicked]

it seems the petty small-minded take on things isn't confined to the FAI. Richie Sadlier in today's papers that one of the things that drove him from LoI football was Bohs secretly lobbying him and St Pats to help try to get Shamrock Rovers game with Madrid called off last summer. The Big Club, eh.

[Réiteoir]

If you seriously believe that is the sole reason for him spazzing out and quitting football then you're sadly as deluded as John Delaney and Fran Gavin put together.

The cynical among us are thinking why bring up an incident that happened almost a year ago around the time Bohs have two huge game's against Pat's in a week. What's he hoping to achieve here? Sympathy?

And as someone else said - We note Sadlier mention a possible Bohs Champions League qualifier clashing with the Airtricity - Man United friendly. I think we are well within our right to be 'small minded' again, because guess what it will impact on our crowds for the Champions League game. The only way this league will generate publicity is a break through in Europe - not some sideshow exhibition games. As a CEO of a club I'm very suprised he couldn't cotton on to that.

[DannyInvincible]

it seems the petty small-minded take on things isn't confined to the FAI. Richie Sadlier in today's papers that one of the things that drove him from LoI football was Bohs secretly lobbying him and St Pats to help try to get Shamrock Rovers game with Madrid called off last summer. The Big Club, eh.

Sadlier's article here: http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/smallmindedness-that-drove-me-out-of-irish-football-2182022.html

I don't think he's completely correct in everything he says, though.


Secondly, [the FAI are] objecting to the involvement of a third party, believed to be a UK-based agency. No such objections existed when Platinum One arranged last summer's friendly between Real and Shamrock Rovers, so that's utter nonsense.

I'm not sure that is the case actually. It isn't that the FAI are objecting to the involvement of a third party. Rather, they claim to be restrained by their own murky third-party commercial agreements; that contracts into which they themselves have entered prevent them from sanctioning the Limerick-Barcelona game.

[SkStu]

it seems the petty small-minded take on things isn't confined to the FAI. Richie Sadlier in today's papers that one of the things that drove him from LoI football was Bohs secretly lobbying him and St Pats to help try to get Shamrock Rovers game with Madrid called off last summer. The Big Club, eh.

i think the reasons for the objection are fairly reasonable though obviously tainted with a little jealousy. Big deal.

But heres what i think - why dont SRFC write a letter of complaint to the FAI like you did last summer, try and get them to strip us of our title or something? Small minded, eh?

[MariborKev]

All the clubs should be up in arms of this one.

However as usual with LOI clubs it will descend in petty in fighting and gentle grumbling.

[Ezeikial]

If you seriously believe that is the sole reason for him spazzing out and quitting football then you're sadly as deluded as John Delaney and Fran Gavin put together.

The cynical among us are thinking why bring up an incident that happened almost a year ago around the time Bohs have two huge game's against Pat's in a week. What's he hoping to achieve here? Sympathy?


I share your scepticism about whether this phone call from Bohs "brought about my decision to quit League of Ireland", but not your cynicism that his raising of it has anything to do with Bohs playing Pats twice in a week. I know its a outrageous thought, but maybe it is related to Limerick/Barcelona & FAI/Man U developments?



And as someone else said - We note Sadlier mention a possible Bohs Champions League qualifier clashing with the Airtricity - Man United friendly. I think we are well within our right to be 'small minded' again, because guess what it will impact on our crowds for the Champions League game.

Nice one! So you are inferring that Bohs were right to object to the Shamrock Rovers V Real Madrid game?


The only way this league will generate publicity is a break through in Europe - not some sideshow exhibition games. As a CEO of a club I'm very suprised he couldn't cotton on to that.

The best way, but certainly not the only way. The Rovers V Real Madrid game was certainly good profile for Rovers and by extension for LoI.

[Lim till i die]

The best way, but certainly not the only way. The Rovers V Real Madrid game was certainly good profile for Rovers and by extension for LoI.

I'd debate that to be honest.

Rovers playing Real didn't do a blind bit of good for Limerick and I'm sure we're not alone in that??

Anyway, everyone back to hissing about the FAI. Come On. BOOOOOOOO. HIISSSSSSSSSS!!!

[SkStu]

All the clubs should be up in arms of this one.

However as usual with LOI clubs it will descend in petty in fighting and gentle grumbling.

i dont think so MK - everyone is on Limericks side here bar Hairy Bowsie. I know all Bohs fans think its unacceptable.

Ezeikial, i honestly dont think there was anything wrong with Bohs objecting and looking to protect their own interests. I think most clubs would honestly be a bit miffed if they had to put their CL fixture into direct competition with such a glamour friendly. I see the other side of it too but i dont have a problem with Bohs (or if it was any other team) looking after their own interests.

[MariborKev]

Aye, on message boards they may be. I'm just waiting for some journo to quote the "A facebook group set up to protest about it has gained over 2000 members". FFS, a Facebook group about a sausage roll can get 2000 members.

At club level, I wonder......

[osarusan]

At club level, I wonder......
You have to wonder what the reason for that is though.

Perhaps the other teams just don't care, but more likely they're afraid of putting themselves on some FAI hitlist.

The chairmen of Sligo and Athlone could come out and say that they have no objections to the friendly going ahead, or even that they welcome it and applaud Limerick's initiative, but all that may do is get them a black mark beside thair name up at FAI hq. What club needs the hassle of getting involved?

And anyway, for the FAI to reverse this, they need to be put under pressure from outside the circle of LOI. That's why it's good to see members of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, and next week maybe even a TD or two to ask a few questions, because these are people that the FAI won't be in a position to just say "f**k off" to.

[thischarmingman]

The chairmen of Sligo and Athlone could come out and say that they have no objections to the friendly going ahead, or even that they welcome it and applaud Limerick's initiative, but all that may do is get them a black mark beside thair name up at FAI hq. What club needs the hassle of getting involved?


"They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."

[osarusan]

"They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."

Hopefully things won't get quite that bad.

[thischarmingman]

Hopefully things won't get quite that bad.

One hopes.

[Lim till i die]

"They came first for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

Then they came for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."

Very noble sentiment and all that but the reality is licencing among other things provides the FAI with a carte blanche charter for getting rid of clubs they don't like.

So twould take a brave (foolish) chairman to stick their head above the parapet.

Would it surprise anyone if this was the latest Limericks last season in senior ball for example??

[TonyD]

And anyway, for the FAI to reverse this, they need to be put under pressure from outside the circle of LOI. That's why it's good to see members of the Limerick Chamber of Commerce, and next week maybe even a TD or two to ask a few questions, because these are people that the FAI won't be in a position to just say "f**k off" to.

Excellent idea. Joe Duffy's yer only man tbh. Few phone calls to him should see it sorted.

Disgraceful carry on by the FAI, and their attempts at explaining their stance are pathetic, to say the least.

[pineapple stu]

Encouraging to see a lot of negative media publicity about the decision. Delaney and his cronies are sure to hate that.

Depressing to think that the reason there's so much media publicity is probably because the journos want to drool over Barca coming to Ireland the same way they want to do to Man Utd.

[Jofspring]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/0516/delaneyj.html

What i take from what Delaney is saying is "Don't mind Limerick FC, they are a small naive LOI club, we are the big FAI and whatever Limerick say should be ignored"

The Facts are:

1. Limerick received a fax from the FAI stating the game could not go ahead because of other Airtricity fixtures that night.

2. Limerick let the press know they where denied this fixture and above was the reason.

3. The FAI release a statement with three reasons why the game can't go ahead claiming they already told Limerick FC these reasons, which they actually had not.

4. Delaney claims Limerick have been naive and have brought the game into disreput a little bit (what the hell does a little bit even mean, you either do or you don't).

Delaneys comments are a joke if you ask me. He has totally disrespected a LOI club and has tried to make the club look like fools and sweep it under the carpet. If anything it is the FAI that has been naive and brought the game into disreput by not being transparent as to why the game can't go ahead and giving reasons after the original one and belittling a club. To also claim he doesn't believe Barcelona have agreed to the game is laughable and another insult to Limerick FC as Barcelona have sent correspondence to Limerick stating they are the only team they have agreed to play in Ireland.

[MariborKev]

The talk amongst the journos in Turners Cross on Friday was that there was to be a joint statement from Limerick and Barcelona on this in the coming days. Any word on that?

[Treaty Gooner]

From the article:

'We would have a relationship (with an agency) in terms of the organisation of friendlies coming into Ireland.
'There are certain games we can grant and there are certain games we can't in terms of attendance figures...Noel Mooney explained that we couldn't grant the game.'
'We're contractually obliged to other people. I would love the game to be played in Limerick.'

Does this mean that Limerick have been asking the wrong people for permission and can negotiate directly with the 'third party' if there is one instead of going through the FAI?

[Ezeikial]

Leaving aside the barbs directed towards Limerick by John Delaney, there are just so many questions arising out of this interview:

1) When did the FAI enter in this agreement with this unnamed agency?

2) Who is the agency?

3) Did the FAI consult with clubs before entering into this agreement?

4) Did the FAI inform the clubs after entering into this agreement?

5) Does any other national association have this type of agreement?

6) How does this agreement benefit the LoI clubs who it appears to prevent holding certain friendlies?

7) What type of games does it prevent clubs hosting?

[MariborKev]

The answer to 5 is yes: Brazil, Argentina and plenty of the other South American sides.

However I agree that it poses more questions than answers.

[Jofspring]

8. Have all clubs been previously informed of the stipulations of holding a friendly game re these agreements?

9. If not what are the stipulations?

[CSFShels]

By the looks of things, they're saying, only they can host big friendlies in this country.

[MariborKev]

Anyone got a copy of the participation agreement handy? I'd love to see where that is outlined......;)

[Alf Honn]

Sat May 15:
From Limerick FC: "Finally, Limerick FC re-affirm their commitment to playing in Thomond Park on 31st July and FC Barcelona is awaiting final approval from the FAI to continue with this potential game. Both clubs are calling on the FAI to sanction the game for the good of Irish football, Limerick FC, Limerick City and entire Mid-West region.

Sun May 16:
John Delaney: 'We also got correspondence from Barcelona last week saying they had not agreed to the game in Limerick at this stage. I don't believe Barcelona have agreed to it."


Delaney is calling Limerick FC liars. And Barcelona too if Limerick's statement is accurate.

This is getting dirty. However, if Delaney is bluffing, his job is untenable.

[corkharps]

I know its a silly point,but couldn't the IFA legally sanction the game? Also did Noel Mooney and Pauric Smith meet with Limerick on Thursday or not(as stated by JD on radio this morning)?

[Jicked]

This is getting dirty. However, if Delaney is bluffing, his job is untenable.

Haha, that's the funniest one yet. JD untenable?? More like he'll only give himself a 4 year new contract instead of 5.

[Jofspring]

Sat May 15:
From Limerick FC: "Finally, Limerick FC re-affirm their commitment to playing in Thomond Park on 31st July and FC Barcelona is awaiting final approval from the FAI to continue with this potential game. Both clubs are calling on the FAI to sanction the game for the good of Irish football, Limerick FC, Limerick City and entire Mid-West region.

Sun May 16:
John Delaney: 'We also got correspondence from Barcelona last week saying they had not agreed to the game in Limerick at this stage. I don't believe Barcelona have agreed to it."


Delaney is calling Limerick FC liars. And Barcelona too if Limerick's statement is accurate.

This is getting dirty. However, if Delaney is bluffing, his job is untenable.

First of all he says last week Barcelona as far as he knew hadn't agreed to it which could be right as they might have agreed later in the week after the FAI had talked to them, but the second part he is blatantly calling Limerick liars and as you say if Limericks statement is correct, which i have no doubt, then he is calling Barcelona liars too. What we need is somebody in the media with some bit of knowledge of the situation to ask Delaney the questions. He needs to answer them and not let this just be brushed under the carpet.

[Lim till i die]

did Noel Mooney and Pauric Smith meet with Limerick on Thursday or not(as stated by JD on radio this morning)?

No...

[Lim till i die]

Sun May 16:
John Delaney: 'We also got correspondence from Barcelona last week saying they had not agreed to the game in Limerick at this stage. I don't believe Barcelona have agreed to it."


To me this is just bizare.

Like, why would Limerick FC lie about it?!?!