Author Archives: Aaron McAllorum

EARLIER:

Ah here.

FAI funding doubled as part of robust refinancing deal (RTÉ)

EARLIER:

This afternoon.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport are reportedly set to reveal details of a “refinancing arrangement” for the FAI involving the Government, UEFA and the Bank of Ireland.

RTÉ reports:

The football body, which has recently been the subject of a number of audits and investigations into its financial affairs, warned that it could not continue to pay the wages of over 200 staff if an immediate bailout of €18m was not forthcoming.

FAI rescue package set to be announced today (RTÉ)

FAI set to get €10m bailout from Uefa (John Fallon, The Times)

Previously: At The End Of The Day: €55,067,472

Let’s See That Again In Slow Motion

This afternoon.

In a statement, the FAI says:

“Niall is a former professional football player who has represented the Republic of Ireland national team 92 times, as well as playing in the English top flight for Arsenal FC, Manchester City FC and Sunderland AFC.

As well as being a former board member of Sport Ireland, Niall is the former Chairman of Sunderland AFC and a successful businessman across diverse industries in Ireland and abroad.

In addressing the current challenges facing the FAI, the executive team want to ensure that the organisation’s core objective of the promotion and development of the game of football in Ireland is prioritised.

Niall’s role with the team will focus on leading a future League of Ireland strategy, the overall development of the game in Ireland, including supporting grassroots and community initiatives together with our player pathway programmes.

Niall will also focus on helping restoring and building key relationships and trust with key peer groups and the media.

Gary Owens, FAI interim CEO, said: “We are really pleased that someone of Niall’s calibre is joining the team. Football is such an important game in this country at every level.

“Niall not only brings great insight and experience to developing the game but is passionate about football in Ireland – his energy and commitment is a great fit for the FAI as we begin reform of the organisation and look to create a better future for football in Ireland.”

Meanwhile…

Ah here.

Any excuse

Niall Quinn appointed as Interim Deputy CEO (FAI)

This afternoon.

John Delaney resigns from UEFA with immediate effect (RTÉ)

Minister for Sport Shane Ross at an Oireachtas Sports Committee this morning

This morning.

Via RTÉ:

The Minister also stated that if the FAI were to go under, his “guess” would be that the League of Ireland would go with it.

Minister Brendan Griffin said the FAI’s debts are €62 million — not €55 million — when funding and loans owed to UEFA are taken into account.

The future of the league will be part of the topics discussed in a planned meeting between the Government and UEFA in January.

Earlier, it was revealed an independent audit into the FAI has said that the organisation is not fit to handle public funds.

FAI were seeking €18m in bailout deal – Ross (RTÉ)

Yesterday: FAI, Deloitte And Adjustments

Rollingnews

Above from left: Paddy Power, Ruby Walsh and Tom Nugent

‘sup?

This morning.

Abbey Street, Dublin 1.

Bookie Paddy Power, jockey Ruby Walsh and keen-eyed punter Tom Nugent launch of Paddy Power Media’s  weekly podcast ‘From The Horse’s Mouth’, which debuts on all platforms from December 19.

Rachael Kane writes:

Every week, record-breaking jockey Ruby Walsh will join Paddy Power, the face of well-known bookmaking firm Paddy Power. Horse racing aficionado Tom Nugent will also muck in with some informative, highbrow and thought-provoking content… ah who are we kidding?

Prepare for banter-filled, controversy-fuelled debate and a distinct possibility of some stand-up rows.

‘From The Horse’s Mouth’ will feature some of the biggest names in the game each week, kicking off with BBC Racing legend Cornelius Lysaght for the debut show…

From The Horse’s Mouth

Pics: Karen Morgan