The Shelbourne saga rumbled on yesterday when the club requested, and were granted, until noon today to provide the additional information sought by the FAI's First Instance (licensing) Committee in relation to their financial affairs.
The delay to Shelbourne's official response has apparently been caused by the inability of the various parties working behind the scenes to formally agree on the terms of a deal that would allow the club to pay their debts to players and the Revenue.
The terms of the agreement were reportedly being reviewed by solicitors representing Ollie Byrne and his family yesterday, but it is hoped that the club will be able to provide the required funding guarantees ahead of the deadline.
If that happens, those involved with the club believe there is every chance that Shelbourne will retains their place in the top flight for the coming season.
Sanctions, including demotion or a deduction of points are possible but it would have to be established that breaches of the rules had occurred before any such action could be taken.
Whatever happens today, the club's fate is not likely to be decided before Monday when the First Instance Committee will officially convene to consider the matter.
The Republic of Ireland's much derided defeat of San Marino in Serravalle last week has helped to haul Steve Staunton's side back above their counterparts from north of the border in the latest Fifa world rankings.
While Lawrie Sanchez's men slipped two places on the international list to 49, the Republic climbed three to 46 thanks to their narrow win in last week's European Championship qualifier.
Italy have reclaimed top spot for the first time in 13 years with the world champions displacing Brazil who slip to second place.
Most of the other top 10 rankings are unchanged, although Ireland's European Championship Group D rivals, the Czech Republic, are up one place to nine.
Lower down the list, Scotland have climbed to 20 while Slovakia have moved from 37 to 33, Cyprus have edged up one to 73 and San Marino has slipped back by a single place to 196 in the world.
