Leading officials of the FAI yesterday reasserted their belief that the full range of facilities proposed in Campus Ireland should be built by the Government despite the current controversy over anticipated costs, writes Emmet Malone.
In a statement released by the association yesterday afternoon, officers praised the Campus Ireland project as long overdue recognition for Irish sport and pointed to the stadium element of the plan as a timely replacement for Lansdowne Road.
"The costs are high but affordable," they said, "the money is available to the state to build Campus Ireland (and) it is no longer a matter of choosing between spending on sport or on other areas."
In England, London's Brent Council have refused to "let the new Wembley stadium dream die" after British Prime Minister Tony Blair warned that the Government "cannot step in as a banker of last resort" for the troubled project.
The Football Association have been unable to find funding for the proposed national stadium and have said they cannot afford to pick up the tab without serious Government intervention. Wembley have already received a £130 million lottery grant.
The development is a potential nightmare for Brent Council, who now fear that the stadium could be taken out of their area completely.
Celtic have launched an investigation into an alleged incident involving team members after an awards dinner.
The internal probe follows reports that three players were asked to leave a Glasgow hotel after being accused of urinating in a doorway.
The alleged incident took place at the Thistle Hotel after celebrating Celtic stars gathered for the Scottish PFA's Player of the Year dinner following their 3-0 win at Rangers on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Rangers midfielder Ronald de Boer has revealed he will try to persuade twin brother Frank to join him at Ibrox if he too is shown the door at Barcelona.
Former Ibrox favourite, Everton skipper Richard Gough has announced his retirement.
Former Chelsea boss Gianluca Vialli is expected to complete his return to English football today by taking over as manager of Watford.
