Limerick FC High Court dispute with FAI settled

Limerick FC's High Court action against the Football Association of Ireland over what the soccer club claimed would have been its exclusion from participating in the League of Ireland has been settled.

The case was formally struck out by Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds on Monday after the judge was informed by Frank Callinan SC, with Jack Nicholas Bl, for the club, that the parties had resolved their dispute and the proceedings could be struck out.

The settlement came after the FAI issued a statement last Friday that Limerick FC can apply for a licence to compete in the SSE Airtricity League First Division and the underage leagues for the 2020 season.

The club brought proceedings against the FAI over the association’s alleged failure to invite Limerick FC to submit an application for a licence to allow it to play in the League of Ireland First Division during the 2020 season.

Limerick FC, which late last year was the subject of a failed examinership process, claimed the FAI is bound under its own rules to invite the club to submit an application.

Limerick FC claimed the FAI, represented in court by Andrew Fitzpatrick SC and Michael Binchy Bl, refused to do so, which had the effect of excluding it from playing this season's First Division.

The court heard that the FAI, in correspondence with the club, never said that it was unwilling to allow Limerick FC to apply for a licence.

The case was brought by Munster Football Club Limited, trading as Limerick Football Club.

Successful conclusion

The club sought orders including requiring the FAI to take all necessary steps to permit Limerick FC to submit an application for a licence allowing it to play in the 2020 League of Ireland First Division.

The case was adjourned to allow talks between the parties aimed at resolving the dispute. Those discussions came to a successful conclusion last Friday.

On Monday Ms Justice Reynolds welcomed news of the settlement, which the court heard is confidential.

Outside court, Limerick FC chairman Mr Pat O’Sullivan said in a statement: “I am pleased to have won our case in the High Court, allowing us now to apply for our First Division Licence. The last few weeks and months have been extremely difficult for me and I am glad to be back in a position to concentrate on Limerick FC away from the courts.”

After thanking his legal team, he said he had “many concerns regarding how our club has been treated since mid-2018. I do feel there has been a co-ordinated effort to destabilise our club, for reasons unknown to me. I am taking advice as to what options are available to the club.”

Finally, with regard to the Limerick FC academy, a new group has been created calling themselves Limerick United.

He said that Limerick FC made an offer of co-operation to them.

“I sincerely hope for a positive response to our offer of co-operation. There is a significant investment available around a senior soccer team in Limerick with an underage structure.”

“To me there is no sense in any other long-term sustainable football project in Limerick other than the two parties combining their resources for the benefit of players’ development, especially, our sport and our communities.”

“If necessary, I am willing to take on an honorary role. It is difficult to see why Limerick United will not join with Limerick FC for the future of Limerick soccer. As previously discussed I am willing to allow the Limerick United coaching staff to remain in situ subject to FAI requirements,” Mr O’Sullivan concluded.