Delaney refuses to budge on Kerr contract issue

FAI chief executive John Delaney refused to comment on whether talks with Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr on a new contract were planned.

Kerr revealed over the weekend that he believes the Association will leave him “dangling” with speculation that the FAI does not want talks on a new contract, until Ireland’s World Cup fate is known.

However, Delaney steadfastly refuses to talk about contract issues relating to any FAI employees and maintained that stance yesterday.

Delaney would also not be drawn on where Ireland will play their home games during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road.

With planning permission for the new stadium to be sought at the end of this year with the hope of building work to begin in early 2007, Ireland will need an alternative home venue for most of the Euro 2008 qualifiers and possibly the early qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.

The GAA’s decision to open up Croke Park means a potential top class venue is available in Dublin though Delaney insisted that any talks with the GAA will be held in private.

“We’ve written to the GAA congratulating them on the magnificent gesture that they are prepared to make.

“It is my view, and certainly the view of the IRFU, that it should now go to the private chambers and any discussions that do take place should take place in private as opposed to in public.”