In the face of intense criticism, the GAA Director General and President are set to have a meeting with organisers of the Liam Miller tribute match early next week.
News emerged this week that a request had been made to play the fundraiser for the late Ireland international's family at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The Cork County Board were open to the idea, but were unable to open the doors as GAA rules don’t allow soccer or rugby to be played on any of their grounds bar Croke Park.
This has led to the Association coming under fire from all sides and this latest news, released via the GAA’s official Twitter account, appears as though they are trying to limit the damage.
The short statement read: "The GAA President and Ard Stiúrthóir, along with representatives of the Cork Committee, are to seek a meeting with the organising committee of the Liam Miller Tribute Match to discuss issues around the game."
Rumours intensified this evening that the GAA had agreed to open the stadium, but RTÉ Sport understands that there has been no update since this statement.
President John Horan and director general Tom Ryan both took over at the start of the year and they have had to deal with a series of controversies since then.
Whatever happens at the meeting, should it take place at all, the GAA appear to have already ruled out the possibility of using the revamped 45,000 capacity home of Cork hurling and football. The game is set to take place at Turner’s Cross on 25 September.
The Gaelic Players' Association (GPA) have added their voice to the growing chorus calling for Páirc Uí Chaoimh to be opened to accommodate the game.
The GPA criticised the GAA's stance on the issue in a statement released in a series of tweets.
They said: "The GPA calls on the GAA to make Páirc Uí Chaoimh available for the Liam Miller charity game.The contribution by the GAA and its members to the social fabric of this nation is second to none and we are proud of the part our players past, present and future have and will play in this.
"However we feel that the decision being taken here doesn’t align with our values as sportspeople and needs to be revisited."
The GAA President and Ard Stiúrthóir, along with representatives of the Cork Committee, are to seek a meeting with the organising committee of the Liam Miller Tribute Match to discuss issues around the game.
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 21, 2018
In a statement earlier in the week the GAA said that their own rules wouldn’t allow it and they added that legal advice was sought with regards to public money spent recently on Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Several legal experts had suggested that the Government could try to claw some of that cash back if they failed to host the testimonial soccer game.
"The GAA is prohibited in rule from hosting games other than those under the control of the Association in its stadia and grounds," said the GAA in their earlier statement.
"The Cork County Committee and Central Council have no discretion in this matter.
"Only a change at Annual Congress can alter this situation. Congress takes place in February each year.
@SMurphyTV on the news that the GAA are to seek a meeting with Liam Miller charity match organisers - also gets reaction from Cork #rtegaa pic.twitter.com/O1TmiFbqhY
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) July 21, 2018
"The GAA has sought legal advice around funding received towards the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and believes it is compliant with the terms and conditions laid down in September 2016.
"The Association re-affirms its offer to provide hospitality facilities at the venue free gratis to assist fundraising efforts around the Liam Miller tribute match and wish the event organisers every success in their endeavours."
Miller played Gaelic football before his professional career took off, leading to him representing Celtic and Manchester United as well as winning Ireland caps. He died in February at just 36 years old after suffering from cancer.
A host of well-known soccer stars from home and abroad, including Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand, have signed up to play in the testimonial.
The 7,000 tickets sold out within hours of going on sale.
Cork City Mayor Mick Finn welcomed the news that the GAA were seeking a meeting with match organisers.
"News that the GAA is to meet with the organisers of the Liam Miller event - with a view to hosting it in Pairc ui Chaoimh on September 25th - is to be welcomed," he said
"I applaud the GAA for agreeing to meet the organisers and hope common sense will prevail in the discussions."
