FAI under increased pressure over world cup

The events of Saipan ultimately cost Roy Keane his World Cup place and Mick McCarthy his job.

Now, the FAI's organisational abilities have come under the microscope in this report, authored by Scottish management consultants, Genesis. It could be the beginning of more problems for the Association, who lost previous chief executive Bernard O'Byrne last year in the aftermath of the death of Eircom Park.

The report criticises the FAI's lack of co-ordination in Saipan, along with the lack of training gear, special World Cup footballs, isotonic drinks, and even medical equipment, which went missing en route.

The document, released officially on Tuesday, but leaked this morning, states that other nations studied got their preparations right in comparison with the Irish.

The FAI won't make any comment on the report's findings until its official release on Tuesday.