FAI likely to make available information Dillon seeks

FAI finances: Information sought by former Eircom League chairman Brendan Dillon in relation to the finances and corporate governance of the FAI is likely to be made available to board and council members as the organisation's leadership seeks to counter negative publicity generated by the leaking this week of a letter from the Dublin solicitor to the association's president, Milo Corcoran.

Leading figures within Merrion Square are believed to accept that they will have to address the issues raised by Dillon in a highly-detailed series of questions contained in a 14-page letter originally sent to Corcoran on March 9th.

The letter circulated more widely to clubs and officials this week along with a covering note expressing frustration that no reply had been received.

It is still unclear, however, whether Dillon himself will be furnished with the information he has asked for as the association has taken legal advice on what it must disclose to its former director. The content of that advice will be revealed at this afternoon's meeting of the organisation's council at Citywest.

There is clearly some irritation within Merrion Square over Dillon's continuing attempt to gain access to information, some of which he claims he was denied while a director of the company between March of 2003 and January 17th when he resigned his position.

Among the items requested are bank statements relating to the period in question, contracts with outside consultants and breakdowns of expenditure, especially where the audited figures differ dramatically from earlier estimates provided to officers and board members.

Dillon is clearly particularly concerned with the association's dealing with the league and its member clubs and has sought details of negotiations that took place between club representatives and senior FAI officials during his time at Merrion Square. He is also seeking a breakdown of all loans to clubs, specifically those extended to St Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers.

At this afternoon's meeting the association's leadership is expected to strongly contest the suggestion that there have been financial difficulties over the past three months and present a bullish assessment of the organisation's current state.

Both the association and the league have been deeply divided during recent months, however, and today's discussion should provide an indication of how successful Fran Rooney has been to date in winning over critics amongst the clubs and affiliates.

At the day's earlier board meeting, meanwhile, approval is to be sought for the establishment of the joint venture company, to be co-owned by the IRFU, which will run the redeveloped Lansdowne Road stadium.

Under the arrangement being proposed it appears the company, ownership of which is said to be split 50-50 between the two sports organisations, will own and operate the stadium while paying an undisclosed annual ground rent to the IRFU.