looks like these clubs signed contracts with their players which go against the rules - points deduction on the way
Premier sextet unhappy with FAI plans
October 10, 2007
Six of the eircom League of Irelands biggest clubs have convened in a bid to secure the future of the domestic league in the face of directionless planning by the Football Association of Ireland, according to a hard-hitting report on Wednesday morning.
The Irish Daily Star carries an exclusive report claiming that 2007 title favourites Drogheda United, as well as Dublin pair Bohemians and St Patricks Athletic and Cork City, Derry City and Galway United, have joined forces in a bid to improve the eircom Leagues lot.
It is claimed that the clubs are unhappy with stringent new measures set to be imposed next season which will mean players wages cannot exceed 65 per cent of a clubs annual expenditure.
The feeling is that the wage cap will serve as a disincentive to potential investors, with the report claiming that St Patricks Athletic and Drogheda will be severely impacted by the new limitations.
In addition, the six clubs are calling for the implementation of a fully-professional Premier Division as opposed to the mix-and-match pro and semi-pro state of affairs which currently prevails, while another proposal could see the government lobbied to introduce tax breaks for investors in the domestic game.
A perceived lack of support for the eircom League within FAI circles, despite the merger between the organisations last year, is seen as a major obstacle to the development of the senior game in Ireland, with some officials privately angry that the Association ploughs much of its resources into the international team.