SOCCER/DUBLIN SUPER CUP:THE AIRTRICITY League XI may not be expected to win too much on the pitch in the Dublin Super Cup this weekend, but they scored an important victory off it late last night. The 22 League of Ireland players forced the FAI into a climb-down as the governing body finally agreed to their request for "respectful" match fees and improved terms.
The day had been dominated by reports of paltry after-tax appearance money of €292.50, as well as the embarrassing fact the Irish squad are the only one of the four sides involved – including Manchester City, Inter Milan and Celtic – that will have to travel outside the Aviva Stadium to the Wanderers pavilion to shower after games.
In such circumstances, the players were angered enough to mandate PFAI general secretary Stephen McGuinness to force the issue with the FAI. Once he eventually made contact with Airtricity League director Fran Gavin, a reported appearance fee of €1,000 – up from €650 – as well as a total of six match tickets per player was soon agreed.
Despite yesterday’s controversy over showers, however, it is understood this was not one of the players’ major concerns. Although it effectively signifies they are being afforded a lower status than the three visiting teams, the main issues for the squad were “respect” and “recognition”.
One source among the players confirmed they felt the FAI were “penny-pinching” and hoping to get the League of Ireland squad on to the pitch “for as little as possible” despite looking to earn huge amounts from the tournament.
Given the fact many players had taken time off work and cancelled holidays to play and train, they felt a little more recognition than an after-tax fee of €292.50 was warranted. The players also thought this was a further insult given the amount of times they have accepted reduced terms from club financial difficulties.
The saga has caused particularly controversy because it has come so close to Saturday’s kick-off. However, one source said that was unavoidable due to the fact the 22-man panel was finalised so late.
And once the PFAI got Gavin to the table (the players had initially demanded John Delaney, who is on his way to Brazil for the World Cup qualifying draw) terms were agreed without recourse to threatening a boycott.
A PFAI statement read: “Following discussions between the general secretary of the PFAI and the director of the league, the PFAI is pleased to announce the issues between the Airtricity League XI and the FAI have been resolved.”
