Rooney to review LOI clubs upgrading

THE FAI’s chief executive, Fran Rooney, plans a meeting with representatives of the 22 National League clubs this week to advance the process of upgrading management structures and improving facilities.

The meeting will be to discuss progress the clubs have made under the terms of the new licensing scheme as dictated by UEFA and to identify where further improvements are desirable.

The standards required for the issue of the new licences were set by the FAI and the National League, and approved by UEFA. They covered every aspect of club activities, including clubs' current financial standing and commercial structures.

They also referred to the stadiums with specific requirements for covered accommodation, medical, toilet and general facilities.

There were suggestions that clubs who did not meet the standards first time round risked demotion or being denied a place in European competition.

Mr Rooney put a different emphasis upon the scheme "What we are seeking to do is complete a template which all the clubs can use to improve their operations.

"This is not a scheme designed to punish or create difficulties for clubs. We set the standards ourselves and we are not in the business of driving clubs out of football or making things difficult for them.

"We are attempting to identify areas where we can help the clubs achieve the standards required. We want to work with any clubs who are in difficulties and I am satisfied that we can work with UEFA to create the time and space they may need to reach those standards.

"In effect, what this is designed to do is achieve a Q-mark for our clubs and our task is to bring all clubs to that level."

Reports on how the Irish clubs measured up were due to be circulated yesterday but have not yet been distributed.

It is understood that the first division clubs where standards are not so exacting will fare well but that most of the premier division clubs will have to make further improvements to earn their licences.