FAI hit back in Barca row

The FAI has responded to accusations that it denied Limerick FC permission to go ahead with a friendly against Barcelona because the club rather than the organisation would reap the financial benefits.

According to a statement released by the sport’s governing body, the decision was made purely for “the good of the game”.

The statement continued, “The sole objective of the FAI is to develop, promote and foster the game in Ireland. Any commercial venture entered into by the FAI is designed purely to fund the development of the game at all levels throughout the country.”

The statement pointed out that the Airtricity League received €5m in funding from the FAI every year and denied it was “in the business of profiteering”.

The statement also attacked Irish clubs who attempt to bring big-name teams to Ireland for friendlies without FAI sanction.

The statement continued, “With one [foreign] club the Association had agreed a price for a visit, only for an agency in Ireland to offer double the amount. This is inflationary and not in the interests of football since any profit generated by that agent would not be reinvested in the game.”

The Association also revealed that international match agents are offering FC Barcelona to other clubs in other countries on the date which Limerick were hoping to play them.

The problem is expected to come again in the coming days when Athlone Town is due submit a request for a game against Real Madrid in July.