FAI takes steps after ‘seriousness’ of Long error

THE FAI says that it recognises the “seriousness of the error” which saw Shane Long named as a substitute for the European Championship qualifier against Slovakia in Bratislava last September, with the Reading striker ineligible to play in the game as a result of a red card and five-match ban he had previously received in an under-age international.

The association has also apologised for providing what it described as “incorrect information” in respect of Long’s subsequent withdrawal from the squad to play Cyprus at Croke Park in what turned out to be Steve Staunton’s last game in charge.

At the time, the media were told that Long had been ruled out with a groin injury, although it subsequently emerged that this was not the case and that he had only been withdrawn once the eligibility issue had belatedly come to light.

In a statement issued yesterday, the FAI said that, having carried out a review of the matter, the following steps have been taken:

1. New structures and procedures have been put in place in order to ensure that there is no repeat.

2. All disciplinary matters relating to international teams will be handled by the FAI’s Disciplinary Control Unit, which is headed by the FAI’s legal advisor Sarah O’Shea.

3. A live register of all suspensions still to be served will be distributed to international team managers, the international department and the communications department, and also posted on the FAI website.

4. The Disciplinary and Control Unit will also hold periodic briefings for all the staff in the relevant departments on FIFA and UEFA rules and regulations in relation to disciplinary matters.