FAI play down eircom League clubs’ licence worry

TWO Irish clubs have not yet received First Division licences from UEFA’s Club Licensing Committee.

Twenty eircom League clubs have received licences but FAI Chief Executive Officer Fran Rooney is confident that all the clubs can earn Premier Division licences in time.

"We see this as a long-term process. We are one of the leading seven countries in Europe at implementing licences and we have submitted an application for Government Grant Aid to help the clubs.

"The Government has indicated it is willing to help over a number of years."

Rooney is considering a three to four-year time frame for implementation and estimated that it will cost between €10 million and €20m to bring the clubs to Premier Division Licence standard.

"The club licences have positive implications. This is the first time we have examined what needs to be changed and we have covered significant ground. The League of Ireland needed work everyone knew that this is just the start.

"This isn't a punishment process. The goal is to get all the clubs up to standard."

Ken Robinson, chairman of the Independent Club Licensing Committee, stressed that the licences will help clubs to grow and improve.

"This isn't a destination, this is a journey," he said. "We had to change the mindset within the clubs and we were always conscious of that. The people involved with the clubs on the licensing side were very professional."

Rooney was quick to address the problems this may have for the League and four clubs in Europe next season.

"UEFA have already indicated that for the first year, they will give an exemption," he said, good news for Shelbourne, Bohemians, Longford Town and Cork City who are all involved in European competition.

Rooney also dealt with the issue of a restructuring of the League.

"I have to discuss everything with the clubs. Some clubs may wish to appeal and they have five days to do so," he said. "We need to work together with clubs and the eircom League to bring everyone up to a higher level."

Meanwhile, FAI Carlsberg Intermediate Cup holders Belgrove will take on Cork side Rockmount in a repeat of last year's final in the pick of the quarter-final ties in this year's competition.

The ties will take place on the week ending March 14.

FAI Carlsberg Intermediate Cup draw: Bangor Celtic v Bluebell United; Rockmount v Belgrove; Wayside Celtic v Drumcondra/Leeds; Letterkenny Rovers v Cherry Orchard.