The chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), Fran Rooney, called a press conference today after the shock resignations of two high profile eircom League officials at the Special General Meeting yesterday.
Rooney spoke at length to journalists at Jury's Hotel in Ballsbridge after both the eircom League chairman and general manager, Brendan Dillon and Tommy Allen respectively, resigned.
Yesterday's meeting was supposed to be the start of a consultation process between the FAI and the 22 clubs who make up the eircom Leagues after a proposed merger was brought to the table.
In Rooney's opinion the domestic game is 'undercapitalised' and a different financial model, with the FAI and eircom League working together, is needed to secure future of the game.
"The League has been undercapitalised and like any organisation in this position, sustainability becomes more difficult," said Rooney to journalists today. Rooney added that the proposals outlined to the 22 eircom League clubs at yesterday's eircom League meeting were set up for discussion and dialogue.
"At no stage was there any hint of anything being imposed on the clubs. Quite the contrary the meeting had engaged positively with the CEO and the FAI Officers on the topic of a merger with the FAI."
"We also can't hide from our own responsibilities in the FAI - to foster and develop the game, increasing participation at all levels. That's why we exist and we need to continually keep our focus on this issue. This brings with it a duty to support the game to the very best of our ability and for the betterment of all who are involved in the game, not just one League," said Rooney.
However, Dillon and Allen found this approach unacceptable and felt they had no option but to resign. In fact Dillon took the opportunity yesterday to note the deteriorating working relationship between the FAI and the eircom League in recent months.
Dillon made specific comment to FAI treasurer John Delaney's lack of consultation with Allen in matters of 'fundamental importance' to the league. He added that continuing interference, both direct and indirect, in league matters by the FAI made it impossible for he and Allen to efficiently conduct the business of the league, a development which has had a continuing and damaging effect on both operational and strategic decision making.
In his opinion, the proposal put to yesterday's meeting was a further example of the power struggle that has been ongoing in the FAI for a number of months. The league had received no prior consultation in relation to the proposal nor did it make any reference to the league's own proposed business plan.
In light of the resignations representatives from the 22 clubs were unable to vote on the merger proposals. Furthermore, Rooney felt the need to clarify the FAI's position and therefore called today's meeting to do just that.
"Among the biggest issues facing the game are funding, player development and proper consultation with all strands of the game", said Rooney today. "I have made it a cornerstone of my approach to the job to consult with the widest possible sections of the grass roots".
After the framework was outlined Rooney said the FAI were very encouraged by the positive reaction from a large number of Leagues and affiliates.
"We are working very hard to include all strands of the game in Ireland. One of my ongoing priorities is to include the voices of the grass roots in what we do and how we shape the game into the future".
Rooney said the domestic game faces immense challenges and not just at senior level. "We cannot run away from the fact that many clubs are struggling on a day to day basis with financial difficulties and this is a real problem".