FIFA reject latest plea from Cork City

FIFA have today rejected a submission on behalf of Cork City FC requesting permission for midfielders Gareth Farrelly and Colin Healy to play for the club pending an appeal of their work status.

Football’s world governing body informed the club that it is neither in a position to comment on, nor amend the decision made by the single judge in the matter.

Cork City FC has now stated that its last remaining option is an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The club will now take legal advice on whether or not to pursue this route, although manager Damien Richardson stated that he is unsure about the merits of an appeal.

“This further intransigence shown by FIFA compounds my belief that we are whistling into the wind in this matter,” said Richardson told CorkCityFC.ie. “It looks like an appeal would be a futile gesture on behalf of the club.”

“The players concerned are crestfallen at this latest rejection, and feel further isolated from their team-mates and supporters, as well as from their professional counterparts all across Europe.”