FAI Fans Forum Abbotstown, Saturday
Saying no-one else has posted on this, I'll do my best.If I leave anything else, I am sure someone will correct me.
First of all, there was a shocking attendance. Given the amount of abuse the FAI get on here, they opened the doors for people to come in and yet half the clubs didn't even bother to send anyone.
Derry, Sligo, Athlone, Wexford, Bohs, Shelbourne, Longford, UCD, Bray were only clubs who bothered to show up. No offence but for the amount of crying that goes on in various internet forums, people had the opportunity to step away from their keyboards and actually ask the questions.
The FAI were represented by Fran Gavin, Padraig Smith, Michael Hayes and Noel Mooney.
Fran Gavin(FG) opened with a presentation on the League, prize money, qualification for Europe, Setanta etc. The winners of the A League this year gets more prize money than Bohs did the last time they won the League.
Michael Hayes followed with explanations on the Setanta format, European coefficients etc.
Padraig Smith(PS) then gave a presentation on the financial end of the League, which was a very detailed session. To be fair to them, they knew it was coming and they had the data. 3 clubs have breached the SC, Galway being the most obvious case.
Padraig outlined basically "where it all went wrong".
In 2005 revenue in the League grew by 2%, wages by 23%
In 2006 revenue in the League grew by 5%, wages by 15%
In 2007 revenue in the League grew by 15%,wages by 31%
In 2008 revenue in the League grew by 51%,wages by 26%
PS discussed the case of Cork, and how you can't really deal with people who decide to "just play God" and walk away. There was a discussion over clubs having to lodge bonds etc, but investors will not agree due to fact this offers no return etc.
PS was scathing on the standard of audited accounts and audit reports from some of the clubs and said that clubs have been warned over this already. There was some talk of a League appointed auditor for all clubs.
The clubs lost €6.8m last year and will lose €3.3m this year. We were shown examples of the budgeting, monthly accounts etc that the clubs must complete. They also produced stats in terms of number of contracted players at each club. Derry lead the way with the biggest squad, The average figure was 21 pros I think.
There were lots of questions over the technicality of wage deferrals as remaining as ordinary creditors etc and how the salary cap is in operation. The legitmacy of financial statements were questioned amongst other matter.
The Revenue are very happy with the clubs at the minute and will probably ease off their investigations at the end of this season, such is the level of compliance. However the focus will now be on proper P60 compliance etc. Someone with a greater understanding of the ROI tax system probably took more from that section than me.
The major news here was that there are 400 players currently contracted to clubs, but only 90 of these are in contract past this season. The FAI firmly believe that this situation will allow the clubs to make a correction in the wage structure and that they will be able to significantly reduce wages through this. I have my doubts, as it assumes strong boards who are not focused on the short term success. However, the potential exists there, but it could turn out to go wrong in the classic "prisoner dilemma" situation.
The next section is very difficult to explain. Two fellas(Colm & ?) from myteam.ie gave a presentation. These lads were involved with the Drogs shop and are basically setting up and affliate scheme for the clubs. They are producing a pack of merchandise for €75 delivered, of which the clubs make €30 for no outlay. This will all be done through myteam.ie. Wexford, Cork and Galway are not participating. I thought this idea was madness and did say to the fella as much. The general feeling seemed to be the same from others there. I just don't see where the market is for this. However the two lads are putting in all their own money(6 figure sum) on the items and another massive advertising spend. They are only selling it online and are targeting the exile market. The site will go live on the 21/10.
There was a break after that, after which Noel spoke about the marketing off the League.
There was pieces here about the CPO, a tie up with the NDC etc. *Edit: Taken out information about costing
People split up into various groups there to discuss efforts to market the League and then reported these back after half an hour, to draw up ideas for going forward.
I mightn't agree with the FAI on everything, but I have to respect that they stood up to take the flack. A bit like the P1 proposal falling apart, there is plenty of moaning amongst the support, but if people don't turn up and ask the questions when they have the chance then they lose credibility.
I'll add more as I remember them;)
