Brian Kerr gave both barrels to the FAI’s Director of Competitions Fran Gavin on Soccer Republic on Monday night.
Kerr remains incensed at the FAI’s paltry offer of €100,000 to be split between 20 League of Ireland clubs for ‘strategic planning’ – a meagre €5,000 per club – which has already been turned down by both St. Patrick’s Athletic and Derry City.
Gavin said that each club would be able to engage in ‘strategic planning’ for around €3,000 each, and that the FAI would be sending out details to clubs on how to engage with the process.
Kerr replied: “Surely the €100,000 (combined FAI funding for the plan) should be put to promote the league, develop the commercial side and develop the profile of the league.
“We don’t have any dedicated people involved in running the league.
“Your role (Gavin’s) as director of the league is no longer director of the league – you’re involved in the cup competitions on all levels.”
He was only getting started; Kerr mentioned the ‘ferociously bad facilities’ at grounds across the country, facilities for female supporters, and how the €100,000 is a pittance once it’s been divided out.
“The frustrations levels across the league are remarkable – I’m talking about the facilities, the facilities for female supporters, the pitches, the dressing rooms are desperate,” he added.
Credit: Oatt O
“All around the country there are ferociously bad facilities and nothing has been done about it for years and years.
“Talking about strategic planning now for five years is a load of bunkum.
“The 100k is a pittance in terms of the money the FAI are getting in.
“Where is the leadership in the FAI in relation to the league?”
“They (FAI) are all a fuss about Dundalk (who qualified for the Champions League play-off round) this week. Why wasn’t there all this fuss about the league before the season started?”
