THERE were no fresh revelations when the findings of the external inquiry into the FAI's management of ticket sales and other aspects for USA 94, were presented to FAI council last night.

The inquiry, conducted by Bastow and Charleton, the Dublin firm of chartered accountants, criticises some of the association's accountancy practices and recommends the appointment of a person to take responsibility for proper accountability of all "on tour and home event" costs.

Recognising the dramatic increase in ticket demand and gate receipts for home internationals since 1988, it presents its main findings as follows:

FAI records indicate a profit of £176,000 from USA 94 compared to a loss of £132,000 for Italia 90;

The FAI pursued all, possible avenues to obtain extra tickets for USA 94;

With the declared intention of exchanging/bartering for Irish match tickets, the FAI purchased £296,000 of "other" match tickets for USA 94;

The FAI dealt with ticket agents without checking their credibility, and handed over £296,000 worth of "other" match tickets;

Main Recommendations:

The FAI should consider the appointment of an "event co ordinator" for home and away internationals. The person would be responsible for proper accountability of all "on tour and home event" costs;

Authorisation of all expenditure should be evidenced in writing and supporting' documentation should retained;

Tighter credit control over tickets is required. Ticket sanctions should be implemented for consistently poor payers. The FAI should consider introducing a direct debit mandate system for ticket payments;

The FAI should review its pricing and commission for the 10 year ticket scheme in the light of the acknowledged poor performance of sales to date;

The FAI should consider the appointment of a chief financial officer with a proven track record to participate as a key figure in the management structure of the FAI.