The Football Association of Ireland owe almost €360,000 to the Gardaí for match policing costs, having failed to make payment for any of the games that took place at the Aviva Stadium in 2019.
Six senior international matches took place at the Dublin venue in 2019, with Euro 2020 Qualifiers against Georgia, Gibraltar, Switzeland, and Denmark, as well as friendlies against Bulgaria and New Zealand held at the stadium.
Extra Gardaí are required around the ground on matchdays, with event organisers footing the bill. The FAI have failed to do so over the past 12 months, racking up a €357,244.95 debt in the process.
A Garda spokesperson today said:
Total fees outstanding to An Garda Síochána from the FAI for policing events is €357,244.95.
An Garda Síochána are continuing to pursue the recovery of the outstanding sum.
Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan recently confirmed that no payment had been received as of December 12th. During the same period, the GAA and IRFU forked over payments of €947,939 and €247,627 respectively.
The FAI's current cashflow problems are well-known, with this being a mere drop in the ocean in the grand scheme of things. Their current debt stands at around €62million, with an urgent cash injection of over €20million reportedly required just to stay afloat.
