Full committee of Limerick football league 'stood down' by FAI

It is understood that the FAI’s recent involvement stemmed from a complaint lodged protected by confidentiality. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The FAI have suspended the entire Limerick District League committee while they launch an independent investigation into governance concerns.

In an unprecedented move, the association said it would be inappropriate for the league to proceed with their upcoming AGM.

It says that they and the Munster FA ‘will be able to support the delivery of football under the jurisdiction of the LDL while the investigation takes place.’ Governance in Limerick amateur football has been a talking point in recent years.

Following contact by a cohort of LDL clubs, the FAI issued a list of 11 recommendations in 2021, including the introduction of term limits, rule book overhaul and the auditing of 2020’s financial accounts.

It is understood that the FAI’s recent involvement stemmed from a complaint lodged protected by confidentiality.

Multiple issues were raised when an FAI delegation met with the LDL in December but a standoff ensued until this latest nuclear development materialised on Thursday.

“The concerns raised vary in their nature,” wrote FAI President Paul Cooke in correspondence to the committee.

“Some relate to the processes, policies and practices of the League - both from the perspective of constitutional/administrative matters and also around the delivery of football - whilst others relate to the culture within the League and allegations of derogatory behaviour and inappropriate conduct from people involved at Committee level.” 

Reference was made to the state agency responsible for exchequer funding. “Sport Ireland is aware of the concerns that have been raised and expects them to be addressed appropriately.” The letter added: “Whilst this investigation is being established, we request that all League committee members step away from their committee duties with immediate effect (and this includes any other position that a committee member may hold under the jurisdiction of the FAI).

Committee members, many of whom double their duties with the Limerick Schoolchildren’s League which won the girls Gaynor Cup at University Limerick on Friday, have until Monday morning to provide written agreement with this directive.