Casey to meet firm conducting inquiry

THE FAI's honorary secretary and vice president Des Casey is expected to meet with representatives of Bastow Charleton chartered accountants today before assessing his own position on the beleagured FAI officer board.

Following the FAI press conference of last Wednesday week, Casey was subsequently placed in a difficult position by Joe Delaney's admission that he had personally met a shortfall of £110,000. This was at variance with Casey's comments that no monies were owed by any officers of the association."

Casey left for Malta last Saturday week on UEFA duty at an under 16 tournament, wondering aloud as to whether it would help or hinder" the association if he resigned. Following his return over the weekend, Casey spoke briefly last night about the continuing crisis which engulfed the association in his absence.

Maintaining that he had no option but to fulfill his UEFA responsibility at such short notice, Casey said: "I'm appalled at the depiction of the association. I'm very concerned but I cannot comment any further until I talk to the accountants.

"I'm particularly concerned about vindicating my own good name and ensuring that my reputation remains fully intact. I'll wait until tomorrow morning until I say anything further.

It is believed that one or more of his fellow officers resisted pres"sure from within to resign last Friday night. Since then Bastow Charleton have been continuing their investigation into the association's ticket policy over the weekend with a view to having an interim report on the US 94 World Cup finals ready for next "Friday's senior council meeting, at which motions of no confidence have been tabled in each of the five officers.

The FAI president Louis Kilcoyne attended yesterday's National League Premier Division game between UCD and Shelbourne at Belfield Park, but declined to make any comment afterwards.