As the country digests the news that Roy Keane will play no part in the World Cup finals, FAI treasurer, John Delaney, tonight maintained the association did all they could in trying to resolve the differences between Keane and Mick McCarthy.
Speaking on Newstalk 106FM, Delaney said the FAI had worked "ferociously" in trying to resolve the matter between Keane, McCarthy and the Republic of Ireland players.
"I know we [the FAI] are going to be criticised as that comes with the situation," he explained, "but my conscience is clear as to what we did."
Delaney spoke to Keane's agent, Michael Kennedy, this morning but said both felt there was little hope of resolving the matter. Delaney cited the fact that "circumstances had changed from the day before" as the remaining 22 members of the Ireland squad said they did not want their former captain to return to Japan.
Delaney went on to explain that the FAI "came very close" to brokering a deal between Keane and McCarthy but suggested that "maybe the time factor came against us."
"This is closure. . .for the good of the players and management this is closure."
The FAI treasurer concluded by echoing Keane's good wishes to the players and management for their opening match against Cameroon on Saturday.
Later, Brendan Menton, general secretary of the FAI, said: "We are disappointed that this controversy resurrected itself this week. It has been very disruptive to our preparations over the last few days.
"My own opinion is that Roy made the decision not to go to the World Cup on Tuesday of last week when he spoke to Mick.
"I'm glad it's all over and we can now concentrate on our World Cup preparations."