FAI Further Pandering to Derry: Super Cup

**Spudulika** · 28/02/2012, 9:03 AM

Originally Posted by Dodge

Clubs already stretched with a load of midweek games, they just can't fit in representative games. Shame as I always enjoyed them

If this is going ahead, it will happen on a weekend with league fixtures. So Derry will have a game postponed. Compensation will be interesting to see

Small chance for the FAI to try and piggyback some advertising for the LOI fixtures that weekend.

Don't mind Derry getting this, but there's a fair chance that most Irish Euro qualifiers would be long gone from Europe if this is August. You don't really want a situation where finishing outside the Euro places is more lucrative than qualifying

Dodge (Real as opposed to the imposter named PartySaint :-) ) - I'd actually forgotten the packed schedule for teams. It can help the LOI (piggybacking) though I wonder what are the restrictions from the organisers?

**Neish** · 28/02/2012, 9:11 AM

It would be better to send a club side who are used to playing together rather than a mixed club team. Rightfully should be either the current league champs or FAI cup unless they have clashing European games. Don't mind Derry getting it but they should be getting it but not for the sole reason that they were blocked from Europa cup by UEFA as they could get more revenue for these few games as they do from europe

**Macy** · 28/02/2012, 9:22 AM

I don't have a problem with the next placed team not in europe getting the place. However, it's not great optics that a team that was refused a licence gets the publicity (and possibly a pay day) of taking part. Especially coming after the FAI went out of their way to help them get a UEFA licence despite them clearly being in breach of the requirements.

**gormacha** · 28/02/2012, 9:30 AM

Originally Posted by Macy

I don't have a problem with the next placed team not in europe getting the place. However, it's not great optics that a team that was refused a licence gets the publicity (and possibly a pay day) of taking part. Especially coming after the FAI went out of their way to help them get a UEFA licence despite them clearly being in breach of the requirements.

I think the above is fair comment.

I've always had a soft spot for Derry, so this isn't directed at them per se, but for the UEFA ruling to be fully coherent isn't it incumbent upon the FAI to make sure that Derry don't profit in any way from a good associated with European qualification?

**pineapple stu** · 28/02/2012, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by SwanVsDalton

Precisely. Someone want to dig out a quote where the FAI or Fran Gavin have said this is compensation?

Yeah, it's only Daniel McDonnell saying it'd be compensation for the moment.

Given the FAI have previously had the LoI team bussed in from another ground's changing rooms, have (I think?) not paid any of the LoI players for taking part and even (it's been rumoured here) not paid insurance for the players to play in the game, it's doubtful they'll turn around and give Derry a big cheque for taking part.

**gormacha** · 28/02/2012, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Yeah, it's only Daniel McDonnell saying it'd be compensation for the moment.

If the ruling is that the best placed team who didn't qualify for Europe should get the spot, and Derry were deemed to be ineligible for Europe for the reasons we know, then shouldn't this offer go to Bray? The word "compensation" doesn't need to come into it in order for that logic to stand up. I think...

**pineapple stu** · 28/02/2012, 10:55 AM

Well, no. Derry were the best-placed team who didn't qualify for Europe. You don't a UEFA Licence to compete in the Super Cup thingy.

**pateen** · 28/02/2012, 11:57 AM

Have to agree with my fellow corkie. A good call by the FAI

**legendz** · 28/02/2012, 12:01 PM

Originally Posted by gormacha

If the ruling is that the best placed team who didn't qualify for Europe should get the spot, and Derry were deemed to be ineligible for Europe for the reasons we know, then shouldn't this offer go to Bray? The word "compensation" doesn't need to come into it in order for that logic to stand up. I think...

As said by others, UEFA licence isn't required for the Super Cup. It's a fair call. In terms of fixtures, it requires freeing up one weekend for that club, should be manageable. Going forward, it should be a decent incentive to chase a Super Cup spot at the very least, when missing out on Europe.

**Spudulika** · 28/02/2012, 5:46 PM

Originally Posted by pineapple stu

Yeah, it's only Daniel McDonnell saying it'd be compensation for the moment.

Given the FAI have previously had the LoI team bussed in from another ground's changing rooms, have (I think?) not paid any of the LoI players for taking part and even (it's been rumoured here) not paid insurance for the players to play in the game, it's doubtful they'll turn around and give Derry a big cheque for taking part.

It's hype up season for the league so DMcD is doing his bit for the boys!

PS, not wanting to rain on your parade, but the LOI players were paid for last year. I know that the sum was doubled after some discussions, though the coaches weren't able to have a dressing room for the "home" team for the match. Disgusting, but this is what happens to the punchbags in such events. Don't know about insurance, though legally this would leave the FAI open (and the Aviva stadium people - and IRFU) open to massive costs, so I'm sure they covered it.