Dundalk push FAI for European spot
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Dundalk have expressed their eagerness for the FAI to grant them the third European spot reserved for a League of Ireland club in 2010.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Cork City, the club licences and fixtures for the new season have yet to be settled. That also leaves the third European place vacant until Cork's situation is clarified.
While Cork naturally should take that place after finishing third in the Premier Division last term, it is not yet clear if they will retain their top-flight status. If they don't, then Dundalk would be next in line as Derry City were expelled from the league last year and will be competing in the First Division this season.
Dundalk's communications manager Colm Crosson vented his frustration at a board meeting on Monday (February 15) as he believes that Cork's European place should be awarded to The Lilywhites.
"It is entirely laudable that the FAI are considerate of creditors, but this is a step too far. It is pretty obvious that Cork City do not hold the required tax clearance certificate at the close-off date, and that the rules and regulations are being applied unevenly," said Crosson.
"We have no wish for any club to be denied a rightful place in the league, and have empathy for Bray Wanderers and their supporters in the current uncertainty.
"In relation to the Europa League, we expect to be nominated as the League of Ireland's third representative and we will be making our feelings known in no uncertain terms to the FAI.
"The additional ambiguity about our initial series of fixtures is an inconvenience for the club and it's supporters, although Europa League nomination and the application of fair play are the fundamental issues.
"We expect the FAI and the Independent Club Licensing Committee to do the right thing when eventually the decisions are finally announced."
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Cork City, the club licences and fixtures for the new season have yet to be settled. That also leaves the third European place vacant until Cork's situation is clarified.
While Cork naturally should take that place after finishing third in the Premier Division last term, it is not yet clear if they will retain their top-flight status. If they don't, then Dundalk would be next in line as Derry City were expelled from the league last year and will be competing in the First Division this season.
Dundalk's communications manager Colm Crosson vented his frustration at a board meeting on Monday (February 15) as he believes that Cork's European place should be awarded to The Lilywhites.
"It is entirely laudable that the FAI are considerate of creditors, but this is a step too far. It is pretty obvious that Cork City do not hold the required tax clearance certificate at the close-off date, and that the rules and regulations are being applied unevenly," said Crosson.
"We have no wish for any club to be denied a rightful place in the league, and have empathy for Bray Wanderers and their supporters in the current uncertainty.
"In relation to the Europa League, we expect to be nominated as the League of Ireland's third representative and we will be making our feelings known in no uncertain terms to the FAI.
"The additional ambiguity about our initial series of fixtures is an inconvenience for the club and it's supporters, although Europa League nomination and the application of fair play are the fundamental issues.
"We expect the FAI and the Independent Club Licensing Committee to do the right thing when eventually the decisions are finally announced."
