FAI clarify Monaghan United withdrawal

The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed that Monaghan United’s participation agreement to play in the Airtricity League will be terminated following their decision this morning to withdraw from the League of Ireland.

Automatic relegation from the Premier Division has been removed with the bottom placed team now facing a relegation play-off against the winner of the 2nd vs 3rd placed playoff in the First Division. The FAI statement also confirmed that all Monaghan United players have now been declared free agents and do not have to wait until July 1st to find a new club.

Monaghan United’s position in the FAI Cup will not be given to Sligo Rovers, who they had beaten in the last round. Instead, one team from the remaining pool of fifteen will receive a bye into the fourth round and will not have to play a third round tie. The draw will take place on July 16th.


The statement read:

Following a meeting of its Board, the Football Association of Ireland today (June 18)  expressed its disappointment at the decision of Monaghan United to withdraw from the Airtricity League Premier Division.


The Association regrets that the club has taken this decision at this time and is disappointed that the matter was not discussed with the League prior to the announcement.


Under the Airtricity League participation agreement no club is permitted to withdraw from the agreement or cease participation other than by relegation or a decision of the FAI Board to terminate the agreement.


Following its meeting, the FAI Board will now terminate the agreement with Monaghan United. Consequently, the results of Monaghan United in the Premier Division this season have been. Under the terms of the participation agreement the players at Monaghan United will be declared free agents with immediate effect.


Monaghan United had qualified for the Third round of the FAI Ford Cup and one club will now receive a bye in that draw, which takes place on Monday, July 16. The fixtures for that round are due to be played on week-ending, Sunday, August 26.


The FAI Board and the National League Executive Committee highlighted their disappointment at Monaghan United's decision particularly since the club 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 as well as a €25,000 grant to the club in 2009 during its AGM in Monaghan and assistance in securing Sports Capital Grants for the club.

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