€5,000 from FAI for strategic plan

[Dodge]

Whatever this entails



I don't fancy Pats chances of getting it again. They'll be number 1 on Delaney's sh*t list.
They didn't get that help in the first place as the champions league game was played in Tallaght...

[Longfordian]

So you're saying the FAI are exaggerating insignificant actions just to try and look good? I'm shocked.

[wonder88]

I think the FAI were helping Pats get a new ground, by lobbying Dublin City Council to build a new stadium for them. Delaney mentioned it in the "problem child" interview on rte. Kelleher took out a big loan secured on Richmond Park, so it is likely that the club may have to vacate in the future, hence need for new stadium. Also their were reports that Kelleher was involved in the re-financing of the FAI debt(the one before last by US based hedge fund) along with D Desmond. The phoenix reported that their might have been a 2/3 million left on the table for those who fixed the deal. Very little details of the deal were disclosed however. The calls from St Pats for more transparency in relation to financial affairs is indeed interesting. Their comments towards the "little clubs" might be seen as unwise/condescending to some in the Irish soccer family. Exciting times in our sport.

[EatYerGreens]

Time for other clubs to grow a pair of balls and back up Pats and Derry. Everyone knows the FAI doesn't give two sh!ts about the league, so it's time for one and all to stand up and be counted.

I would hope fan-owned clubs like Cork and Sligo (?) discuss this and take a view. Otherwise, what is the point in being fan owned ?

This is the closest thing to a revolt we're likely to see in Irish football. And change won't come any other way. Only a few more clubs need to come out to put the FAI in a difficult position on this and to take the heat off of any individual club for stepping forward.

[Dodge]

I think the FAI were helping Pats get a new ground, by lobbying Dublin City Council to build a new stadium for them. Delaney mentioned it in the "problem child" interview on rte.

He mentioned it, but is untrue

[ger121]

He mentioned it, but is untrue

Yeah we all know the "problem child" quote is largely untrue;)

[D24Saint]

I would hope fan-owned clubs like Cork and Sligo (?) discuss this and take a view. Otherwise, what is the point in being fan owned ?

cork have already accepted Delaney's crumbs.

[nigel-harps1954]

Several clubs will accept it and say nothing because they're relying on FAI for different projects. Cork with Glanmire, Harps with the new stadium, Dundalk with UEFA progression and the use of Aviva, Bohs and the planned redevelopment of Dalymount, and the clubs that have FAI owned stadia like Wexford and Dundalk.

[D24Saint]

https://audioboom.com/boos/4905624-cork-city-fc-club-chair-pat-lyons-chats-to-trevor-welch-on-the-score-corks-96fm

the topic comes up 5.30 in , even if cork planned on accepting the paltry offer of 5k then there surly must have been a way of doing so without hanging their fellow clubs out to dry , the cork chairman comes across as total Delaney sycophant.I found his comments very disappointing.

[White Horse]

Several clubs will accept it and say nothing because they're relying on FAI for different projects. Cork with Glanmire, Harps with the new stadium, Dundalk with UEFA progression and the use of Aviva, Bohs and the planned redevelopment of Dalymount, and the clubs that have FAI owned stadia like Wexford and Dundalk.

I presume you are referring to United Park and not Oriel.

Dundalk need the support of the FAI to cope with staging Champions League/Europa League games. In addition, the FAI could really screw Dundalk if they are inflexible with league fixtures. I wouldn't expect a peep from Dundalk on this, irrespective of what they actually think on the issue.

[nigel-harps1954]

I presume you are referring to United Park and not Oriel.

Dundalk need the support of the FAI to cope with staging Champions League/Europa League games. In addition, the FAI could really screw Dundalk if they are inflexible with league fixtures. I wouldn't expect a peep from Dundalk on this, irrespective of what they actually think on the issue.

Yeah I meant Drogheda. I think I've typed out Dundalk so much over the past few weeks that it automatically corrected to that in my brain.

[Duffman]

https://audioboom.com/boos/4905624-cork-city-fc-club-chair-pat-lyons-chats-to-trevor-welch-on-the-score-corks-96fm

the topic comes up 5.30 in , even if cork planned on accepting the paltry offer of 5k then there surly must have been a way of doing so without hanging their fellow clubs out to dry , the cork chairman comes across as total Delaney sycophant.I found his comments very disappointing.

Not entirely unexpected with the naming of the Joe Delaney stand and the recent Ireland friendly in the cross. FWIW I think every club should have weighed in behind Derry and Pats but everyone has their own agenda as per.

[sadloserkid]

I don't fancy Pats chances of getting it again. They'll be number 1 on Delaney's sh*t list.

Hey, Limerick can't expected to hold the position indefinitely.


Not entirely unexpected with the naming of the Joe Delaney stand and the recent Ireland friendly in the cross. FWIW I think every club should have weighed in behind Derry and Pats but everyone has their own agenda as per.

Different Joe Delaney no? Or am I wrong? :confused:

[El-Pietro]

Not entirely unexpected with the naming of the Joe Delaney stand and the recent Ireland friendly in the cross. FWIW I think every club should have weighed in behind Derry and Pats but everyone has their own agenda as per.

Neither of those things has anything to do with Cork City. We had no say in the naming of the stand, that was an MFA gig. We had no say in the Belarus game, that was an FAI/MFA gig. We got thrown a few tickets for it but that was the extent.

[Jofspring]

The last time a club took on the FAI was Limerick when we were denied the Barcelona Friendly. A match that could have been very lucrative for us. None of the other clubs came out in support and when it went to court it was only for Pat and his money that we managed to settle the case.

I think the clubs should have met up first and discussed it amoungst themselves before sticking their necks outs. Even now I think the clubs, including Pats and Derry need to meet up and decide what they are doing and not just rely on each other to come out publicly in support.

[Mr A]

The last time a club took on the FAI was Limerick when we were denied the Barcelona Friendly. A match that could have been very lucrative for us. None of the other clubs came out in support and when it went to court it was only for Pat and his money that we managed to settle the case.

I think the clubs should have met up first and discussed it amoungst themselves before sticking their necks outs. Even now I think the clubs, including Pats and Derry need to meet up and decide what they are doing and not just rely on each other to come out publicly in support.

So you're saying some sort of strategic planning is needed?

[El-Pietro]

The last time a club took on the FAI was Limerick when we were denied the Barcelona Friendly. A match that could have been very lucrative for us. None of the other clubs came out in support and when it went to court it was only for Pat and his money that we managed to settle the case.

I think the clubs should have met up first and discussed it amoungst themselves before sticking their necks outs. Even now I think the clubs, including Pats and Derry need to meet up and decide what they are doing and not just rely on each other to come out publicly in support.

But the FAI met with the PCA right? So the clubs did meet? I really wish we had a clearer picture of what had actually happened here. Did the PCA agree to this? If so have Pats and Derry gone off on their own? Are they undermining the PCA? I honestly don't know.

[Jofspring]

I thought the PCA met with the FAI but then they went back to their boards to decide what to do? Pats and Derry decided to turn it down but released their own press releases without really knowing what other clubs were going to do. That's what I was taking from Pats latest press release.

[Mr A]

For an organisation that demands transparency the PCA is pretty opaque.

[littlebray]

Nevertheless, the clubs should get behind the rejection - individually where they can, where they are vulnerable make sure they vote (in secret if necessary).

That's the value of having the association. Use it!

It's not rocket science, it's the simplest form of democracy. Come on, let's support each other, even if we need secrecy to do so.

Transparency can follow when the dictator is gone (is this Iraq I'm talking about?).

[EatYerGreens]

Not entirely unexpected with the naming of the Joe Delaney stand and the recent Ireland friendly in the cross. FWIW I think every club should have weighed in behind Derry and Pats but everyone has their own agenda as per.

But this is the thing that has held Irish football back for decades now. Everyone thinking only of their own narrow self interests, rather than the greater good. It may give a short term boost to your position, but longer term it holds everyone back.

The FAI taking over the league was meant to see an end t parochial self interest and the start of the greater good. It's just seen the FAI's own parochial interests replace those of individual clubs, with clubs left in a worse position and with less power/influence. Worst case scenario.

[desaintsno.12]

Delighted with he club for taking a stand, even if it does cost us further down the line.

Really disappointing that other clubs bottled it and didnt get behind us and Derry.

[Jofspring]

Delighted with he club for taking a stand, even if it does cost us further down the line.

Really disappointing that other clubs bottled it and didnt get behind us and Derry.

Is that 100% though? Clubs could weighing up their options still.

[zander1983]

These are the questions a journalist had compiled to be asked at the FAI AGM, but wasnt allowed:

- WHY have five of the ten FAS board members served for 13 years, one for 12, one for 11 and another for nine when all universal corporate governance recommendations suggest that there should be regular changes in personnel at this level in all companies and organisations?

- DOES the FAI owe UEFA any money loaned to it by that organisation?

- DID the FAI receive the full €8m UEFA prize money for qualifying for Euro 2016 in 2015 and has this sum or any of It been included In the 2015 accounts?

- HOW did wages and salaries lump from €8,750,000 in 2014 to €11,431,000 in 2015 when employee numbers only rose by eight to 167?

- WHY was there an interest charge paid of €430,000 by the FAI on the accounts of New Stadium Ltd (the company that operates the Aviva Stadium with the IRRI) in 2015?

- WERE any of John Delaney's relations employed by the FA1 or receive payment from the FAI for work carried out on its behalf before, during and after Euro 2016?

- WAS Emma English or any relations of Emma English employed by the FAJ or receive payment from the FA1 for work carried out on its behalf before, during and after Euro 2016?

HERE are some of the questions sent by the media to the FAI after last year's AGM in Sligo and to which there has been no reply:

- at what stage did the FAl's 'independent' audit committe become aware the agreement with FIFA regarding the loan/ payment arising from the 2009 World Cup play-off defeat to France?

- CAN the association detail the revenue genenerated by affiliation fees and fines from League of Ireland clubs during 2014?

- is the the new (now former) lender CCT charging a higher Interest an Danske Bank?

- what is the total annnual cost of Delaneys deal to the FAI including pensions, expenses and other benefits?

- what was the FAIs profit/loss from the Vantage club 10 year ticket venture?

[desaintsno.12]

Is that 100% though? Clubs could weighing up their options still.

FAI named the clubs that have confirmed they are on board.... or the bottlers if you will.


""Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Cork City, Bohemian FC and Galway United"

Given the FAI's previous form, they could be lying, but for now i shall tar them all with the bottlers tag.

[ForzaHoop]

All Clubs supporter groups should have some sort of banner this Weekend showing the disgust as the pathetic donation to the league

[outspoken]

All Clubs supporter groups should have some sort of banner this Weekend showing the disgust as the pathetic donation to the league

Great shout

[Longfordian]

The FAI wil just fine any club displaying anti FAI banners in the ground. Doesn't seem like the best way of protesting about a lack of funding for clubs, noble and all as the sentiment is.

[dundalkfc10]

The FAI wil just fine any club displaying anti FAI banners in the ground. Doesn't seem like the best way of protesting about a lack of funding for clubs, noble and all as the sentiment is.

I know a few diff group of lads who go to Oriel regularly who are organising a few Anti Delaney/FAI banners for next Tuesday night

[Mr A]

Makes sense to bring all the banners to a Dundalk game as they are the only ones that can afford the fines.

[Yossarian]

I know a few diff group of lads who go to Oriel regularly who are organising a few Anti Delaney/FAI banners for next Tuesday night

I can't see it having any impact in an empty Aviva next Tuesday. Wednesday might be more effective!

In all seriousness though, anyone with anti FAI banners at the Aviva will not last long as has been seen at internationals there. They only realistic way of protesting is if all the clubs condemn the FAI like Pats and Derry but this won't happen as some clubs are currently beholden to the FAI for various reasons and the FAI can be quite vindictive and petty.

[pateen]

Hey, Limerick can't expected to hold the position indefinitely.



Different Joe Delaney no? Or am I wrong? :confused:

Johns Father. Another shady character

http://www.soccer-ireland.com/irish-football-history/merriongate.htm

[gufcfan]

None of the other clubs came out in support and when it went to court it was only for Pat and his money that we managed to settle the case.

Most clubs are justifiably afraid to go against the FAI. Others are under the thumb of the FAI and would never say such a thing. The FAI do what they want and there is no accountability, so you can be sure anything you do that is perceived as an attack on their position will be repaid in spades.


I think the clubs should have met up first and discussed it amoungst themselves before sticking their necks outs. Even now I think the clubs, including Pats and Derry need to meet up and decide what they are doing and not just rely on each other to come out publicly in support.

The clubs already meet together in the PCA, which has gotten nowhere in terms of getting the FAI to engage with them in any meaningful way. I have no problem with what Pats or Derry did.

[TonyD]

Most clubs are justifiably afraid to go against the FAI. Others are under the thumb of the FAI and would never say such a thing. The FAI do what they want and there is no accountability, so you can be sure anything you do that is perceived as an attack on their position will be repaid in spades.



The clubs already meet together in the PCA, which has gotten nowhere in terms of getting the FAI to engage with them in any meaningful way. I have no problem with what Pats or Derry did.

What ourselves and Derry have done is fine, but in an ideal world the clubs would have come together and done it under the banner of the PCA.

Looking forward to seeing how it's dealt with on Soccer Republic tonight. Peter Collins showed himself up again last week by trying to spin it as something positive, and was only gently disagreed with. RTE probably amongst those afraid to upset Herr Delaney.

[Mr A]

John O'Sullivan speaks on this issue on Extratime- http://www.extratime.ie/newsdesk/articles/17299/the-extratimeie-sportscast-episode-75---john-osullivan---gary-rogers---david-mcmillan---stephen-odonnell---brandon-miele/

One of my bugbears on this whole issue is the "It's €20 a week over the five years" thing. That's meaningless- it's 5k towards creating a 5 year plan. There's plenty to give out about without twisting thing like that.

[babydol]

The €20 per week is a little disingenuous as the €100k if for a plan. I think most people problems are that this should have been done 5 years ago. The only reason its been done now is because the participation agreement is up for renewal and the FAI have not indicated exactly what kind of money will be ringfenced for the implementations of the respective plans.

The clubs are further frustrated at the lack of transparency about the income the league generates for the FAI - St Pats/Derry request that money generated by the league, should be used to the benefit of the league. It was John Delaney and his crooked stooges that messed up the 10year tickets and caused the funding crisis in Irish Soccer, yet its Irish soccer who are paying the price.

Over the next 5 years (the duration of the new participation agreement and lifetime of proposed development plans) the league will generate somewhere from €5-7 million euro for the FAI through fines (60k PA =€300k) Participation costs (600k PA = €3 million) and on top of that the unknowns such as TV revenue, UEFA grants and sponsorships (eg airtricity/daily mail etc). In that time how much are the wages for the 10/12 stooges on the "committee" of the FAI?

I don't think its too much to ask for that the FAI breakdown how much it costs to administer the league and then allocate the remainder to a development fund which should be subsidised by our national association and government via sports grants.

The minimum that should be done is the restoration of the budget for a Marketing/Community officer which clubs employ (I think it was €15k per prem club and €10k per 1D club) - then, and only then can we actually talk about development plans, as without a community base, no club can survive.

I dont agree that the clubs could be trusted to run the league themselves (it would turn into another Ollie Byrne scenario) - but financially the league is making money for the FAI and the FAI give practically nothing back. The FAI generated nearly €50 million last year and will generate more this year with the Euros- what exactly was that spent on and who benefited, because it certainly wasnt grass roots football.

Honestly its shameful that other strong clubs haven't stood up and been counted. Their silence gives credibility to the stance of the FAI which noone in Irish football who isn't benefiting financially from approves of. Its shameful that Bohs, Shams, Cork and Dundalk haven't stood up and supported fellow members. Its backward thinking and will only lead to the status quo remaining- though maybe thats what these clubs want? As long as noone allows other clubs develop, then these guys will always be the "big boys" - as I said, shameful behavior from them.

[pineapple stu]

Participation costs (600k PA = €3 million)
Way too high unfortunately. E17k/Premier and E8k/First gives E268k. Less if the league goes to 10-team Premier/10-team First.

[Mr A]

Newstalk podcast: http://www.newstalk.com/podcasts/Off_The_Ball/Off_the_Balls_League_of_Ireland_Podcast/152440/Why_the_FAI_grant_has_caused_dissent_among_LOI_clu bs

[bluewhitearmy]

FAI named the clubs that have confirmed they are on board.... or the bottlers if you will.


""Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers, Cork City, Bohemian FC and Galway United"

Given the FAI's previous form, they could be lying, but for now i shall tar them all with the bottlers tag.

Just like ye bottled it when we wanted help then?

[Mr A]

Pete Mahon weighs in: http://www.98fm.com/Drogheda-Manager-Pete-Mahon-Doesnt-Want-To-Accept-FAIs-5k-Offer

[outspoken]

Pete Mahon weighs in: http://www.98fm.com/Drogheda-Manager-Pete-Mahon-Doesnt-Want-To-Accept-FAIs-5k-Offer

Great interview but that idea that players who want to play for Ireland having to play LOI first is crazy

[Philosophizer]

Great interview but that idea that players who want to play for Ireland having to play LOI first is crazy

Have only read the article, not listened to the interview. but it's a shame when people who generally talk sense make really ridiculous statements like that. It just devalues their good ideas.

[zander1983]

Are the FAI obliged to reveal employee expenses and FAI pension contributions? Given the FAI receives so much tax-payers money, I believe the FAI are legally obliged to divulge expenses. The Minister for Sport needs to be called to account over this.

There seems to be an extraordinary conspiracy of silence around John Delaney and the FAI. Boards.ie soccer forum have not one thread on this story. Whats going on? Do the FAI control internet forums??

[BonnieShels]

Are the FAI obliged to reveal employee expenses and FAI pension contributions? Given the FAI receives so much tax-payers money, I believe the FAI are legally obliged to divulge expenses. The Minister for Sport needs to be called to account over this.

There seems to be an extraordinary conspiracy of silence around John Delaney and the FAI. Boards.ie soccer forum have not one thread on this story. Whats going on? Do the FAI control internet forums??

Boards is notoriously touchy about any possible legal issues that may arise with posts on it.

If someone was to make a post with evidence of something then by all means it would be posted with verification. Likewise on here, I can't imagine that Adam would be all too pleased with c&d letters from the FAI if someone were to post something nefarious.

Anyway if there's any alleged wrongdoing with the FAI I can imagine that the Irish Press Corps would obviously look into it and that the public wouldn't be waiting around on a forum to do the work for them.

There's a thread in the Ireland forum for all Johnny related stuff:
http://foot.ie/threads/193572-The-John-Delaney-Thread

Also worth a look is the FAI finance thread:
http://foot.ie/threads/168760-FAI-finances

[geysir]

Iceland fa KSI, released figures to do with distribution of part of Euro 2016 Finals participation income.
€ 3.5m in total distributed to clubs, about 25% of total income, as per decision taken at AGM in Feb 2016.
€135k to top clubs €115k medium clubs, €16k to the tiniest clubs.
Mandated is that it's for football related projects not for playing personel.
There's an extra grant of €7,500 made available for each top 24 clubs to send their youth coaches to a uefa elite youth coaching course organised by KSI


Annual accounts report is made public.
Perusing the addenda, I see they give an annual grant of €7,000 to each club in top 2 divisons
to complete their annual accounts and licence application.
Also accounted for is all finance received from Fifa/Uefa and where and what it goes for.

[osarusan]

Iceland fa KSI, released figures to do with distribution of part of Euro 2016 Finals participation income.
€ 3.5m in total distributed to clubs, about 25% of total income, as per decision taken at AGM in Feb 2016.
€135k to top clubs €115k medium clubs, €16k to the tiniest clubs.
Mandated is that it's for football related projects not for playing personel.
There's an extra grant of €7,500 made available for each top 24 clubs to send their youth coaches to a uefa elite youth coaching course organised by KSI


Annual accounts report is made public.
Perusing the addenda, I see they give an annual grant of €7,000 to each club in top 2 divisons
to complete their annual accounts and licence application.
Also accounted for is all finance received from Fifa/Uefa and where and what it goes for.
Delaney wouldn't be having that!

Openness and transparency...shudder.

[disgruntled]

Johns Father. Another shady character

http://www.soccer-ireland.com/irish-football-history/merriongate.htm

Hard to believe there is a stand called after Joe Delaney in Turners Cross :rolleyes:

[legendz]

To be fair Dan McDonnell has been taking on all comers about it on twitter and Neil O'Riordan would be doing the same if he wasn't sunning himself on the Copacabana, a lot of coverage on the42 and a few other outlets as well.
McDonnell often comes out to bat for the league. I think someone said he used to post on the old eircom league message board that Johnny Ward had in the early 00's.

[colonelwest]

McDonnell often comes out to bat for the league. I think someone said he used to post on the old eircom league message board that Johnny Ward had in the early 00's.

He did indeed and if I remember rightly he was involved in setting up Orielweb back in the day and did a few bits for Dundalk when he was coming up as a young fella/ student. He's an Ardee lad and has always had an interest/ covered the league and when he got into the indo he's covered the LOI beat very well since. Owen Cowzer & Neil O'Riordan would be two others who help the league punch above it's weight in coverage/ column inches, Neil's son Luke as well the past few years.

As to what geysir posted above from the Icelandic FA, we can but only dream of that sort of thing going on over here!

[Oldred]

The Iceland way:
http://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/league-of-ireland-fans-will-love-what-iceland-have-done-with-their-euro-2016-windfall/92406?utm_content=bufferf8029&utm_medium=Social+organic&utm_source=Twitter&utm_campaign=Buffer