The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) tonight adjourned an investigation into the bonus payment of £100,000 to former manager Mick McCarthy during the World Cup finals in Japan and Korea.
McCarthy, who resigned in November following a disappointing start to the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign, was, allegedly, advised by a senior FAI official during the World Cup to negotiate a bonus before he signed a new contract.
The FAI's board of management met today in an emergency session at the Red Cow Hotel, Dublin to discuss the matter.
The start of the meeting was delayed for long periods while officials left the session to consult lawyers. The investigation broke up after three hours and will reconvene in two weeks' time.
Today's deliberations went ahead against a background of continuing speculation over McCarthy's successor.
The FAI selection committee of treasurer John Delaney, president Milo Corcoran and acting general secretay Kevin Fahy have interviewed seven candidates in the last week.
Favourites to take over include current youth team boss Brian Kerr, former Irish internationals John Aldridge and Kevin Moran, former Manchester United and England star Brian Robson and ex-French national manager Philippe Troussier.
It is expected that the new man will be named on Tuesday or Wednesday next week after the conclusion of contract negotiations.
Meanwhile, Drogheda United could still be expelled from the eircom League if they fail to comply with a demand from the league's board of control.
Representatives of the club lodged the €100,000 required with the FAI yesterday but the board of control met today and have requested further information in relation to their membership of the league.