Soccer: FAI may meet Government this week

It is expected that the FAI will start its substantive contacts with the Government this week about a possible involvement in the proposed national stadium.

The talks will follow last Friday’s u-turn by the association to enter into contacts in case Eircom Park does not go ahead.

An FAI team led by chief executive Bernard O’Byrne is expected to meet Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.

The u-turn came after the intervention by the 22 league clubs.

They called for the talks as the Eircom Park looks set to drag on into a third year with no construction work taking place. In recent weeks the bill for the project has also jumped by £50m.

In the coming weeks an oral hearing into the planning for Eircom Park will also take place.

There are strong objections from local people and the Department of Defence.