FAI advanced Bohemians €100,000 - report

An FAI spokesman has confirmed that they provided financial assistance to League of Ireland Champions Bohemians earlier in the year.

The financially troubled Dublin club were advanced €100,000 by the FAI, on the strength of money that will be due to them in November for their participation in the Champions League qualifying stages.

'We've given Bohemians an advance on guaranteed UEFA monies and this is standard European practice,' an FAI spokesman told the Irish Independent.

Bohemians, who have already had a transfer ban imposed for breaking the league's 65% Salary Cost Protocol, were struggling to pay players wages when the FAI stepped in to offer assistance, according to the Independent's report.

The Gypsies, currently second placed in the Premier Division have had well publicised financial problems this season and are believed to be heavily reliant on winning the League in order to shore up their finances.

The club have always insisted that reports of their troubles have been exaggerated and last month their General Secretary Gerry Conway insisted that their problems are behind them and that they will continue as a full-time club.

'We have explained to the FAI our plans to be under the 65pc by November 30, which is when it counts, and I believe they are fully satisfied with our plans,' he said.

'We do have longer-term financial issues, but we have plans in place to repay them, which we will explain to the members at our next information meeting.

'We're satisfied as a board that we have budgeted prudently so as to sustain full-time football and give (manager) Pat Fenlon a budget, which, while he may not be 100% happy with it, is one that can help him challenge for honours next season.'