Suspending funding to FAI is right move – Rock

THE decision by Sport Ireland to suspend public funding to the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has been described as appropriate and correct by Fine Gael TD Noel Rock.

Deputy Rock, a Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West and member of the Transport, Tourism and Sports Committee, welcomed this evening’s development.

“Given the FAI’s lack of full disclosure, I believe it is appropriate to safeguard taxpayer’s money in the short term and bring about the corporate governance changes and financial transparency that are necessary to safeguard the long-term future of football on this island.

“This is what I have called for from the outset, having learned of a number of disquieting issues within the FAI. It is also what prompted my complaint to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement,” Deputy Rock said.

“Ireland has had enough of shoddy corporate governance – it’s time to grow up. This is a welcome and necessary move from Sport Ireland and one which was necessary given the unwillingness and inability of the FAI to be forthright with Sport Ireland despite having a variety of opportunities to do so,” Deputy Rock added.

“Tomorrow, John Delaney and the FAI are scheduled to appear before the Oireachtas Sport Committee to answer serious questions with regard to corporate governance and finance. They have many questions to answer. Despite this news, I believe it is still appropriate that this meeting take place – the public and the taxpayers deserve answers,” concluded Deputy Rock.

ENDS