PFAI warns of players' strike over insurance cover shortfall
THE PFAI have warned that League of Ireland players could go on strike next season if clubs do not improve their insurance cover. The case of Waterford United's Gary Dunphy has highlighted a major flaw in the current system. The 25-year-old needs surgery on both hips and is suffering from the sportsman's hernia known as 'Gilmore's Groin'.
However, his club's insurance policy does not cover 'wear and tear' injuries and, as a result, the five-year servant of the Blues faces the possibility of being without a club and with a large medical bill at the end of the season. PFAI chief executive Stephen McGuinness explained the issue yesterday, saying that the FAI used to foot the bill for insurance, but this had stopped in recent seasons. And he urged the clubs and the association to get together and sort out the additional coverage or else players could refuse to play next season.
"With the feedback I've got from the whole committee, I've a feeling that, if it's not sorted, they won't go on the field next year," McGuinness said ....
Read more at www.independent.ie