FAI demands meeting with Taoiseach

The Football Association of Ireland is demanding an urgent meeting with the Taoiseach over the future of a National Stadium.

The FAI says the decision to pull the plug on state-funding for the “Bertie Bowl” is a major blow, not only to the bid to co-host the European Championships of 2008, but also the development of the game in Ireland.

FAI bosses spent the afternoon discussing the implications of the Government’s decision on the National Stadium.

They are now demanding that the Government honour it's commitment to provide two stadia as part of the bid to secure the European Championships of 2008.

According to FAI General Secretary, Brendan Menton, the Irish and Scottish joint bid is favourite to win.

FAI Treasurer John Delaney has ruled out a second Eircom Park bid and he says the FAI want urgent talks with the Government and the IRFU so that they can formulate a joint approach on the issue.