FAI power struggle - Board ought to look in the mirror

SOMETHING is radically wrong at the Football Association of Ireland.

In contrast with the fine performances of the Irish soccer team, the FAI seems incapable of functioning as a major business should.

Yesterday, the public witnessed the spectacle of the fifth boss in eight years falling on his sword only 18 months after taking on the job.

Doubtless, any club in the country would like to get hold of the six-figure severance package agreed with millionaire businessman Fran Rooney, once seen as the FAI's saviour.

Reportedly, because of his management style, relations with the Government, the IRFU and the Irish Sports Council were strained. Clearly, however, the malaise which has dogged the organisation for years persists.

The 64,000 dollar question is how five bosses could get things so wrong that they had to be axed. It is time the FAI directors put themselves under the microscope and examined their own performance.

Irish soccer deserves better than this.