Galway United have won their appeal against demotion to the A Championship and will take their place in the 2011 Premier Division.
United pleaded their case this morning in the Football Association of Ireland headquarters in Abbotstown.
Proceedings began at 8am, with the Independent Club Licensing Appeals Body accepting that Galway had made attempts to secure the documents needed for a Premier Division licence and that it was 'exceptional circumstances' that led to the club failing to produce them for the deadline.
Monaghan United will stay in the First Division as a result of Galway winning the appeal.
Football Association of Ireland statement:
‘The Independent Club Licensing Appeals Body met this morning to consider Galway United’s appeal of the decision of the Independent Club Licensing Committee not to award the club a Premier Division Licence.
‘The Appeals Body noted that it is essential to good governance in football that all required documentation is supplied by its due date and in this particular case, they recognise that the onus was on the club to produce the appropriate evidence to the Club Licensing Committee.
‘The Appeals Body acknowledge that the tax affairs of the club were and are in order and it was clear that the club had made attempts to secure the appropriate documentation but due to exceptional events were unable to provide it on the date required.
‘Given the full circumstances that pertain to this case, the Appeals Body overturned the decision of the Club Licensing Committee and awarded a League Licence – Premier Division to Galway United FC.’
