Court of Arbitration for Sport rejects Cork City appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, have rejected Cork City FC's appeal on FIFA's decision to prevent Colin Helay and Gareth Farrelly playing for the club until July.

The Cork City team comprising John Kettle and Niamh Farrelly of Mason, Hayes & Curran - along with manager Damien Richardson, Gareth Farrelly and Colin Healy in attendance - made a succession of trenchant criticisms of FIFA's application of the relevant rules in the cases. These were acknowledged by the Tribunal, and FIFA’s lack of transparency was roundly criticised

by it.

Despite this, the fact of the loan agreement and short-term contracts proved central in the Tribunal rejecting the appeals, whilst criticising FIFA's failure to make available the necessary criteria for exemptions in this case. However, most unusually in cases where the Tribunal rejects appeals, no costs were ordered in favour of FIFA, or against Cork City FC.

Manager Damien Richardson expressed his disappointment, especially in relation to the position of the players.

He said: "The human aspect to this case should not be forgotten."

Gareth Farrelly stated his profound dismay at this further delay to his debut for the club, while Colin Healy reiterated his sense of anticipation at representing Cork City FC at "the earliest possible moment".