FAI statement on Monaghan withdrawal

The FAI have this afternoon released a statement following Monaghan United's decision to withdraw from the League of Ireland. The statement said that the FAI had met with Monaghan United less than a month ago and no question of the team withdraing from the league was mentioned. The FAI board are meeting this evening to discuss the issue.

The statement read:

"The Football Association of Ireland today (June 18) confirmed that Monaghan United has notified the League Department of its formal intention to withdraw from the Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division. The club had met with the National League Director in the past month and no indication of this decision was flagged at that meeting.

Speaking today, Fran Gavin, Director of the Airtricity League said: "We met with the officials of Monaghan United less than a month ago to get an update on where they were with their budget for the season. At that time there was absolutely no question of withdrawing from the league. Today's announcement from Monaghan United is a surprise to us and is very disappointing.

"We have been assisting the club in recent weeks to try and help them source a main sponsor."

The FAI have called a Board Meeting this afternoon in Poland where the matter will be discussed. The Board members present in Poland are there at their own expense. 

Chairman of the National League Eamon Naughton and Airtricity League Director Fran Gavin expressed their disappointment at Monaghan United’s decision after the growth that the club has seen since its entry to the League of Ireland in 1985.

Monaghan United has received significant support from the FAI and the National League including a facility development loan for €150,000 of which over €100,000 is still outstanding. The FAI also provided a €25,000 grant to the club in 2009 during its AGM in Monaghan, as well as providing assistance in securing Sports Capital Grants for the club.

A further statement will be issued later this evening once the FAI Board has had the opportunity to consider the matter fully and determine the next steps."