THE 22 FAI National League clubs have been mandated to vote en bloc in objecting to former FAI president, Louis Kilcoyne, representing the FAI as its delegate on FIFA, the world governing body of football, at the FAI's a.g.m. in Athlone on June 7th.

The proposal was forwarded by Shelbourne secretary, Ollie Byrne, at the opening meeting of the FAI National League following its a.g.m. at the Davenport Hotel, Dublin, on Saturday.

Byrne said he had learnt that Kilcoyne had met with Sam Hammam, owner of Wimbledon, in Dublin last week. He said "nobody on FIFA can have indiscreet conversations with Wimbledon on their proposed move to Dublin".

However, Kilcoyne has claimed that he was merely reiterating to Hammam the FAI's opposition to Wimbledon's proposed move to Dublin.

The FAI has said several times it is opposed to Wimbledon's apparent attempts to relocate in Dublin.

The National League will maintain the status quo of a 22 club league, comprising a 12 team Premier Division and a 10 team First Division for at least two years after the a.g.m. failed to agree to previously discussed changes in format.

It was proposed that a commission be set up to investigate the merits of a new format for the league. A subcommittee will be elected at the next management meeting next month to set terms and references for the commission.

The amalgamation of the National League with the Football Association of Ireland was ratified by the a.g.m. following its three year trial.

The league returned a deficit of £27,783 for the financial year to the end of March 1997, despite an increase in both operating and sponsorship income. This compared to a surplus of £67,285 in the previous year. Total expenditure rose by 60 per cent to £292,634. Treasurer Brendan Menton said he expected the league to run at a loss of £20,000 next year.

Several delegates asked about Harp Lager's sponsorship, saying the National League had no leeway in attempting to attract other sponsors. The National League agreed to get legal advice on its contract with Harp and discuss the deal with them.

UCD delegate Dr Tony O'Neill, said the league should look at how money was allocated to clubs. The clubs should receive funds directly from the money the league got from UEFA, sponsorship and television.

An FAI National League selection, managed by Pat Devlin, will play a Mick McCarthy Irish XI in a testimonial for former national team manager Eoin Hand, at Tolka Park on September 2nd.