FAI clarifies ‘Fifa Ireland’ status

FAI chief executive John Delaney moved last night to put “clear blue water” between the Association and an old Dublin-based Irish arm of Fifa with revenues of more than €100m during seven years of business here.

Delaney revealed he had concerns at the time that FAI officials were on the board of directors of Fifa Ireland, but said he was reassured there was no need for concern on the matter.

“We looked for an indemnity so that any transactions of that company would not affect the FAI in any way. When I checked the minutes, going back 14 years ago, I was relieved and happy that we did that because even back then, there was a lot of complaints about Blatter. When this company was established, I and the other board members wanted blue water between the FAI and Fifa.