John Fallon: FAI move on U14 League of Ireland comes too late

The suspicion that this latest manoeuvring is designed to preserve the age-old institution that is the U14 Kennedy Cup has merit, especially considering a team from outside of the FAI’s jurisdiction won the tournament on Sunday

Roy Barrett is sticking to his guns on the contentious decision to delay the U14 national league season. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

“Nothing has changed in the FAI,” hollered Athlone Town’s rep Michael O’Connor as the virtual gathering of the new general assembly on Monday night threatened to veer off-script over a contentious delay to the U14 national league season.

His ire was directed at FAI chairman Roy Barrett and chief executive Jonathan Hill who, along with president Gerry McAnaney, were the three signatories to last week’s edict confirming the decision on the July start date was irreversible.