'Lack of consultation led to resignations'

Eircom League chairman Brendan Dillon has commented that "a lack of consultation" between himself and the FAI hierarchy has forced him to resign from his position with immediate effect.

Speaking following yesterday’s eircom League/FAI meetings at the CityWest hotel in Dublin, where Football association CEO Fran Rooney outlined a presentation for the association to assume the executive functions of the League and its decision-making authority, Dillon said that continuing interference, both direct and indirect, in League matters by the FAI made it impossible for he and General manager Tommy Allen to effectively conduct the business of the League.

Dillon is said to be angered by the proposal put forward by Rooney Saturday morning, pointing out that the League had received no prior consultation in relation to it, nor did it make any reference to the League’s own proposed business plan.

As a result, Dillon, a solicitor by profession, took the decision that it was clear that his continuance in the position of Chairman and his stance on the issue of the merger could have the potential to distract the clubs' focus from the real and serious issues before them and in particular the prospect of the League relinquishing its autonomy to control its own affairs. He reportedly informed FAI President Milo Corcoran of his decision to resign earlier this afternoon.

Allen has also resigned as the League's General manager. The former River Valley Rangers chairman, who had worked for the Dublin Corporation for 25 years before assuming his management role in November 2002, addressed the meeting and endorsed Dillon’s comments. He outlined he had arrived at his decision to resign with great regret.

Eircom League Assistant General Manager Michael Hayes has assumed the position of Acting General Manager. Tommy Allen will assist Michael Hayes in the coming weeks to ensure the business of the League is conducted efficiently and that a smooth transition is effected in relation to current matters.