"TWO more referees have resigned in the continuing dispute between the FAI and the National League refereeing panel.

Michael Tomney and Tony Carroll tendered their letters of resignation at Merrion Square yesterday, amid speculation that others are contemplating similar, moves.

Tomney was involved in litigation against the association earlier in the year when, together with Tommy Traynor, he had an FAI decision to remove him from the league panel overturned by the court.

Traynor, currently officiating at National League games, claims he has not been restored to the panel of international referees, in line with that judgment.

Yesterday's developments illustrate the growing rift in the relationship between referees and FAI, now thought to be at its lowest level in more than 20 years.

Joe Byrne resigned as a senior referee last month, and that was quickly followed by the news that Paddy Daly had agreed to relinquish responsibility for the appointment of Irish officials to take charge of UEFA fixtures, pending, a resolution of the present, problems.