The FAI has turned down an opportunity to meet tomorrow with the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport.
In a letter sent to the committee, and published on Twitter by committee member Catherine Murphy TD, it was said by FAI company secretary Rea Walsh:
"Further to my email of Friday I confirm that we had an open and honest meeting at Leinster House yesterday with Ministers Ross and Griffin.
"As stressed after that meeting the immediate focus of the Board must be on the financial restructuring necessary to safeguard jobs, the FAI's financial future and the appointment of an Independent Chairperson and three Independent Directors.
"At this moment in time, this requires the undivided attention of the Board of the Association and key management, it is for this reason that the Association is regretfully not in a position to appear before the Joint Committee, tomorrow Wednesday, December 18th.
"As soon as the measures outlined above are complete, the Board will welcome the opportunity to appear before the Committee at a time that suits your members. The Board of the FAI thanks the Committee for its patience and understanding at this critical juncture for Irish football."
FAI not coming into sports committee tomorrow same reasons given as last week
— Catherine Murphy (@CathMurphyTD) December 17, 2019
#FAI have confirmed they will be unable to attend tomorrows TTS committee session. Very disappointed, I believe a number of very important questions on the future of football in Ireland need to be addressed ASAP
— Fergus O'Dowd (@Fergusodowd) December 17, 2019
Sinn Féin spokesperson on sport, Jonathan O'Brien TD - who is also a committee member - called the latest refusal an "insult" to Irish football fans.
"I am deeply frustrated at the attitude of the FAI in once again refusing to attend and answer the many, many questions that need to be asked and answered," said O'Brien.
"It is an insult to every football fan in the country to hide away at this critical time.
"People have legitimate and urgent questions including the workers at the FAI and the thousands of volunteers. The questions must be publicly answered. The FAI’s reply stated they will attend when issues have been sorted out. That is an undefined period and is unacceptable.
"Anger is growing and understandably so. The future of Irish football is in the balance and the so-called leaders are hiding behind excuses. It is time for answers not excuses."
Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
