The board of the FAI met today and discussed Ireland’s performances in the World Cup qualifying campaign to date and the prospects of achieving qualification for Brazil 2014.

The board agreed that convening a meeting between the Germany and Faroe Islands matches and/or commenting on the Germany game or the manager’s position prior to last night’s game would have been totally inappropriate.

Following today’s discussions the board, while disappointed like everyone with the poor result and performance against Germany and understanding the frustration of some of our supporters, believes the current position in the group means that qualification for Brazil in 2014 remains a realistic and achievable prospect and reaffirmed that Giovanni Trapattoni is to remain in charge of the national team.

The board recognises the depth of feeling surrounding the team, the performances, the results and the manager, reflecting the passion which everyone in Irish football has for the game and will continue to work closely with the manager.