PROMPTING what could be one of the biggest crises in Irish refereeing history, the FIFA qualified referee Joey Byrne yesterday tendered his resignation to all the relevant associations. Several of Byrne's colleagues are expected to follow suit at three day intervals in protest over the organisation of Irish refereeing, especially at National League level.

The FAI yesterday declined to comment on Byrne's resignation, though it added that a statement regarding the matter will be issued in the next few days. It is believed that both FIFA and UEFA have been critical of refereeing organisation in Ireland as well.

Among those anticipated to follow Byrne's lead are John McDermott, Mick Tomney and Tommy Traynor. Their action is in response to adverse publicity over domestic refereeing, not so much over the heavy disciplinary measures as what they see as haphazard organisation. This season, there have been several late switches in matches and on at least one occasion the nominated referee did not attend one game as he was on official duty abroad.