The Football Association of Ireland has denied today's newspaper reports that it is planning to enter into secret talks with the Government over the future of eircom Park and the possibility of becoming tenants at Stadium Ireland. A statement, released by the FAI President Pat Quigley this afternoon, indicated the FAI have no interest whatsoever in entering into negotiations with the Government.
The rumours emerged after Brendan Menton, treasurer of the FAI and an opponent of the current stadium project, said he intended to speak to the Government. However, Quigley has said any such meeting involving Menton would not be representative of the FAI's stance on the matter. But Menton has now released his own statement, indicating that at no time was he asked not to proceed with such a meeting and that throughout he made it clear that he was acting in his role as the FAI's honorary treasuer.
He added that he undertook to keep the President and the General Secretary informed of developments and even invited them to accompany him to any meetings with the government, and that he personally felt the assocation is best served by being fully informed of all the options available to the board.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
