Derry City hit further trouble
Derry City's future was thrown in further doubt yesterday when it emerged that the FAI is now "very concerned" about a meeting they had with the club on Wednesday night, with chief executive John Delaney saying it could have "quite severe" ramifications.
News of the FAI's comments sparked speculation that Derry City's future in the top flight could be in jeopardy, even if the club's board is able to take action on the grave financial crisis it faces.
It's thought that the concerns revolve around players' contracts at Derry City. If the FAI are not satisfied with the information forthcoming from the club, City could face automatic relegation to the League of Ireland First Division as soon as this weekend.
It's the latest blow to the club and its fans, already reeling as more detail emerges of the extent of the club's financial difficulties. Another meeting involving the board and influential City fans is due to take place in the City Hotel on Monday night when a statement on finances is expected. However there are few signs of optimism in advance of that.
The latest controversy to overshadow the local club's turbulent 2009 season was revealed during yesterday afternoon's Press Conference to discuss the FAI's Interim Report on the League of Ireland.
At that conference questions were posed by journalists in relation to Derry City's current standing within the league, given recent widespread speculation regarding the Brandywell club's financial difficulties.
Indeed, Mr. Delaney confirmed that "officials from Derry City had met with representatives of the FAI on Wednesday" to discuss the current situation at the Foyleside club.
"We are concerned that Derry City is in a very grave situation," answered the FAI CEO. "Certain information has come to light and it's a situation that must be addressed urgently," he added.
While the FAI refused to state specifically what that information was, it was made clear at yesterday's meeting that "if proved correct," then action would have to be taken against Derry City who may not have played within the rules.
"If that proves to be the case, then the FAI would be very concerned," claimed Mr. Delaney.
"I know what it means to the FAI to have Derry City in the league and I know what it means to the people of Derry too. That said, I would be very concerned about a meeting which took place last night (Wednesday). I was concerned earlier in the year and I would have major concerns after what I heard last night."
The FAI have said that if Derry City Football Club received a gift of 1 million this morning, such finance would not be enough to secure the "Candy Stripes" status in the top flight of League of Ireland football.
In short, Derry City could face automatic relegation to the League of Ireland First Division this weekend, depending on the outcome of a high powered meeting of the FAI in Abbotstown last night
Information
It's understood that last night's meeting, which involved the FAI's Chief Executive Officer, John Delaney, the FAI Compliance Officer, Padraig Smith and the Director of the League of Ireland, Fran Gavin, was arranged to discuss not only the current financial situation at the Brandywell club, but also to consider information which has been brought to the attention of F.A.I.
It's understood that the information supplied may have concerned players' standard contracts which, it's believed, have been of major concern to the FAI.
Mr. Delaney went on: "Players and supporters suffer when owners of clubs spend too much on budgets, but you can't play God with clubs. I hope Derry City survive. In what guise they survive, I don't know. It's up to the people who run the club to salvage it, but what the ramifications of the meeting we had will be and the content which was discussed, I don't know, but it could be quite severe.
'Grave situation'
"It's a grave situation. In what guise they survive or in what position they play, will be determined as events unfold, I don't know, but this will move very quickly.
"If we have been given financial information that differs from what it should have been, then clearly action must be taken. Not to do so would be unfair to the clubs who have played by the rules," said the CEO.
When asked what punishment could be administered should the club be found guilty of supplying false information to the governing body, the possibility of automatic relegation to the First Division at the end of this season was not ruled out by the governing body.
Mr. Delaney went on: "At this moment in time we can't confirm anything, therefore, to discuss punishment would be premature.
"However, I would like to make it clear that Derry City Football Club has been a terrific addition to our league from the first day the club introduced its colouful supporters to League of Ireland football."
"The club has been very successful since it's arrival in 1985 and the FAI would like to see Derry remain in the League of Ireland."
However, it was also confirmed that should action be taken against the Brandywell club, it would be taken before next week's promotion-relegation play-off games, the first legs of which are scheduled for next Tuesday night.
And that confirmation clearly points to the fact that automatic relegation was a distinct possibility as Derry's drop into the dreaded graveyard of the First Division would, understandably, have a knock-on effect.
Bray Wanderers, for example, would be elevated into 9th position and while avoiding the relegation trap door, they would find themselves involved in a play-off situation with the team finishing third from bottom, Drogheda United.
Such a scenario would see St. Patrick's Athletic, Galway United and Sligo Rovers all avoid the spectre of relegation, this trio's top flight status guaranteed for the 2011 campaign.
An FAI statement released this morning confirmed a further meeting will take place tomorrow.
It reads: "Further to a meeting between Derry City Football Club officials and the FAI, the FAI has called a specially convened Board meeting to deal with the issues raised.
"The FAI will not be in a position to comment any further until this Board meeting takes places on Saturday (November 7th).
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Weather for Derry
Saturday 26 May 2012
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