Monaghan United have decided to bring to an end their involvement in the Airtricity League of Ireland.
The club, who have been in the League since 1985, have been unable to tie down a anchor sponsor in recent times, and coupled with the rising costs of membership of senior football, it was felt that no other option was available at this time
A statement from Monaghan outlined its gratitude to members, supporters and sponsors who supported the side during their time in the domestic game and to reassure creditors that all accounts with them will continue to be honoured.
The FAI has confirmed that the Gortakeegan outfit has notified the League Department of its formal intention to withdraw from the Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division.
The club had met with the National League Director in the past month and no indication of this decision was flagged at that meeting.
An FAI board meeting has been called for later today in Poland where the matter will be discussed.
Responding to the latest casualty from the ranks of the domestic game, the Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI) said: "It is with great surprise and disappointment that news of Monaghan United's withdrawal from the league has reached us.
"Prior to this, no discussion had taken place with the PFAI nor was any indication of their impending withdrawal communicated to this association.
"No player we have spoken to was contacted by the club prior to the statement being released and many players first heard that they had lost their jobs through Twitter.
"We find it extraordinary that no attempt was made to reach a solution with the players either directly with them or through this association. Situations like this have arisen in the past and agreements have been reached in order to keep a team in the league.
"It is hugely disappointing that players and fans have seen a club withdraw from the league in these circumstances without an effort being made to explore all possibilities with the players.
It is, however, a relief to hear that all creditors will be paid and we assume that players wages which are currently in arrears and the remainder of their contracts will be honoured.
"We look forward to hearing from the club with details of how these payments will be made."
Fran Gavin, Director of the Airtricity League added: "We met with the officials of Monaghan United less than a month ago to get an update on where they were with their budget for the season.
"At that time there was absolutely no question of withdrawing from the league. Today's announcement from Monaghan United is a surprise to us and is very disappointing.
"We have been assisting the club in recent weeks to try and help them source a main sponsor."
Monaghan United has received significant support from the FAI and the National League including a facility development loan for €150,000 of which over €100,000 is still outstanding. The FAI also provided a €25,000 grant to the club in 2009 during its AGM in Monaghan, as well as providing assistance in securing Sports Capital Grants for the club.
