FAI awards licences for 2009

The Independent Licensing Committee of the FAI has awarded 15 Premier Division licences and seven First Division licences for the 2009 season. Three Newstalk A Championship licenses were also awarded.

The recipients of Premier Division licences are: Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, Cork City, Derry City, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Galway United, Monaghan United, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Sligo Rovers, St Patrick's Athletic, UCD and Waterford United.

First Division licences have gone to Athlone Town, Kildare County, Limerick, Longford Town, Mervue United, Sporting Fingal and Wexford Youths. Newstalk A Championship licences have been dished out to Cobh Ramblers, Salthill Devon and Tullamore Town.

Athlone Town, Cobh Ramblers, Cork City, Kildare County were given licences on the basis that financial commitments they have made will be honoured within the agreed dates before the start of the 2009 season. Dundalk’s licence has been issued subject to their pitch passing FIFA tests.

The Independent Licensing Commission also agreed a catalogue of sanctions for 2009 that will apply to any clubs in breach of licensing criteria, including pre-determined sanctions for examinership. Appeals must be submitted within five working days from the date of this decision notice.

Speaking today Fran Gavin, Director of the League of Ireland said: “Now that the licences have been issued for 2009, fixtures will be issued this evening and we can look forward to clubs focusing on matters on the pitch.”

The Independent Club Licensing Committee will consider applications from the four clubs that have qualified for UEFA competitions in April 2009.