A joint statement from the Dublin, 54 Crew and From Behind the Nets, Finn Harps supporters groups regarding the FAI appearance in front of the Oireachtas Committee has criticised Irish Football’s governing body.
The FAI’s executive vice-president, John Delaney, and former CEO did not answer questions from TDs about the €100,000 bridging loan during the meeting, citing “legal advice” as his reason.
“We as supporters of Finn Harps Football Club feel the need to comment on the Oireachtas Committee hearing on Wednesday,” the statement read.
“As genuine Football fans we can do nothing but protest at the manner in which the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) would appear to being run.
“We realise that if we remain silent the status quo will persist.
“The fact that the new Executive Vice-President chose to remain silent speaks volumes for the manner in which the FAI has been allowed to be dominated by one man.
“Surely the former Chief executive has answers to the questions, that, not only the members of the Oireachtas but Sport Ireland and indeed it would seem members of the Board of the FAI seek. If you have nothing to hide why stay silent?
“The board/former CEO claim to have the best interests of Irish football at heart. However, due to their actions and lack of transparency Sports Ireland has cut funding which will undoubtedly effect grassroots football and the growth of the game in our country.
“We call on the Board of the FAI and the Executive-Vice President to resign and allow football in Ireland the chance to start again.
“As supporters of a League of Ireland club we have for many years been fed the line from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) that the League was a problem child.
“It would seem that the FAI itself has been the problem.”
