Airtricity League clubs clarify position
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
In another twist and as part of a growing trend in recent times, the Airtricity League clubs have tonight (Tuesday) responded to alleged misrepresentation in today's national papers regarding their stance on the turbulent situation involving the FAI and Limerick FC.
The statement read as follows:
A meeting of the Airtricity League Clubs took place yesterday prior to the FAI Cup Draw. Discussions on the continuation of the current League Merger with the FAI was the sole purpose of the meeting. It was accepted that the merger with the FAI has been an overwhelming success and has addressed many difficulties of the clubs and the league in general.
The sentiments expressed at the meeting were very positive towards continuing with the Merger and the Clubs acknowledged the positive role that the FAI has played in developing the game at Senior level in this country. The outcome of the meeting was that a postal vote would be undertaken to confirm the Clubs intention to continue with the merger with the FAI.
As the meeting was breaking up a representative of Limerick FC addressed the meeting and detailed their current difficulties concerning their proposed friendly with FC Barcelona. On listening to Limerick FC’s viewpoint, the meeting agreed to contact the FAI seeking clarification on matters that may preclude a friendly match being sanctioned.
At no stage was a formal vote of the clubs undertaken.
The Clubs feel that some of the sensational reporting that followed this meeting is not truly reflective of the context of the meeting. Portrayal of the meeting in this light was not envisaged and was certainly not intended.
The statement read as follows:
A meeting of the Airtricity League Clubs took place yesterday prior to the FAI Cup Draw. Discussions on the continuation of the current League Merger with the FAI was the sole purpose of the meeting. It was accepted that the merger with the FAI has been an overwhelming success and has addressed many difficulties of the clubs and the league in general.
The sentiments expressed at the meeting were very positive towards continuing with the Merger and the Clubs acknowledged the positive role that the FAI has played in developing the game at Senior level in this country. The outcome of the meeting was that a postal vote would be undertaken to confirm the Clubs intention to continue with the merger with the FAI.
As the meeting was breaking up a representative of Limerick FC addressed the meeting and detailed their current difficulties concerning their proposed friendly with FC Barcelona. On listening to Limerick FC’s viewpoint, the meeting agreed to contact the FAI seeking clarification on matters that may preclude a friendly match being sanctioned.
At no stage was a formal vote of the clubs undertaken.
The Clubs feel that some of the sensational reporting that followed this meeting is not truly reflective of the context of the meeting. Portrayal of the meeting in this light was not envisaged and was certainly not intended.
About Alan Dooley
is one of Extratime's longest serving contributors. Based in County Galway, Alan has been following the League of Ireland since the mid-1980s. His first memory of the drama of domestic football was Vinny Arkins, then … View Full Profile