FAI must choose between loyalty to the fans and Murdoch's millions

I HAVE a few more things I need to get off my chest about the Ansbacher Report, but first could I make one small point about the FAI and its disgusting deal with Rupert Murdoch.

On March 6 last year, the Government committed £45 million to the FAI in respect of its participation in Stadium Ireland, and promised further money for the overall development of the game in Ireland. In all, the FAI were guaranteed over £50 million over a few years that's over 60 million euro.

The FAI started negotiations with Murdoch immediately after clinching that deal (it was reported in the papers on March 21, 2001), although it never occurred to them to let it be known that what they were negotiating was the kind of exclusivity that would effectively bar people who weren't subscribers to Sky Sports from supporting their country.