FAI denies paying €20,000 bar bill

The Football Association of Ireland has reacted angrily to claims in an evening newspaper that it paid €20,000 for a bar bill during the World Cup finals last summer.

The allegation relates to a night of celebration in Chiba city following Ireland's group game against Germany.

In a statement released last night, an FAI spokesman refuted the allegation.

Meanwhile, the association is due to begin the process of appointing a new chief executive tomorrow by placing advertisements in the national press.

The new CEO's main role will be implementation of the Genesis Report on the reform of the FAI and its structures.