FAI refuse City top-flight licence

Cork City have been refused a licence to operate in the League of Ireland Premier Division for next season, which leaves the future of the club in doubt.

An application to be included in the top-flight has been unanimously refused by the FAI's licensing committee, which was the crucial requirement of the consortium looking to take over from current owner Tom Coughlan.

A separate application, from the Supporters' Trust, Foras has been granted a First Division licence for next season, which is unlikely to be satisfactory to the prospective buyers.

The club had been given until 2pm today to pay a €160,000 debt to the Revenue Commissioners after the High Court yesterday put a stay on a winding up order.

However the FAI's Independent Club Licensing Committee last unanimously decided to refuse their application for a Premier Division licecne.

“The Independent Club Licensing Committee met this evening and unanimously decided to refuse the Premier Division Licence application of Cork City Investment FC Ltd," a statement issued last night said.

"Having carefully considered the application and all of the documentation submitted it was the view of the Committee that the club fell seriously short of the criteria required to fulfil a Premier Division Licence in a number of areas.

"The committee also considered the application from Friends of the Rebel Army Society (FORAS) and agreed to grant a First Division Licence for the 2010 season.”

Revenue brought proceedings to wind up the club on foot of outstanding bills for VAT, PAYE and PRSI.