The Football Association of Ireland have responded to today's statement from SIPTU, which outlined the trade union's concern that the jobs of up to 200 people at the FAI could be at risk due to the Association's financial situation.
SIPTU has sought a meeting with Minister for Sport Shane Ross to discuss the matter, claiming that the FAI could become insolvent 'within a matter of weeks'. Such a situation could lead to numerous job losses, as well as the non-payment of wages.
The FAI have now addressed SIPTU's statement, describing their concerns as 'unfounded':
The Board of the Football Association of Ireland is both shocked and disappointed by today's statement from SIPTU and their unfounded claims regarding the FAI's financial situation.
At a positive meeting of the FAI Council this afternoon, President Donal Conway outlined how the FAI had recently engaged with UEFA when assurances were given regarding their support for the Association.
President Conway said: "As I outlined to our Council meeting today, we recently met with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and Director of National Associations Zoran Lakovic. At that meeting in Nyon, they assured us of the full support of UEFA for the FAI as we go through our current processes. UEFA's support will ensure the continued viability of the Football Association of Ireland and there is no threat to FAI Operations or to FAI staff."
The statement seems to suggest that the FAI have received assurances from UEFA that they will back the Association through any financial difficulties.
While that should ease the concerns of SIPTU, it does not paint a clearer picture as to the current financial health of the FAI.
