A senior barrister has been drafted in to represent Premier Division clubs in talks with the FAI ahead of the publication of a report which contains several recommendations on how to improve the game in Ireland.
FAI chief executive John Delaney distributed a 75-page report to clubs in September which requested feedback in response to the recommendations. According to the association, the proposals were well received by clubs.
Clubs have since sent a letter to the association, indicating that they have recruited Michael Cush SC to negotiate on their behalf about key aspects of the League, including structure, rules and development. This, in addition to the establishment of the Premier Clubs Alliance (PCA) body, would suggest that clubs are not wholly compliant with the recommendations outlined in the report which has been called the Conroy report.
FAI Chief Executive John Delaney visits the dressing room... at the expense of his suit! #EURO2016 pic.twitter.com/gBtCzZL1qS
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) November 16, 2015
It is expected that Cush will write a separate letter to the association suggesting a format for the talks which should begin soon as the changes are due to be implemented in time for next season.
Trimming down the size of the top division as well as a mid-season split in the division to facilitate more games, are among some of the proposals outlined in the Conroy report.
Seriously though, the Premier Clubs Alliance appears to be a thing again - and they're lawyering up. https://t.co/FGE3LE8ZQH
— Dave Donnelly (@YeSecondPost) November 20, 2015
According to sources, clubs have not made a formal comment on the recommendations but it is believed that there is a sense of frustration and anger among them in relation to the association's policy to not disclose finances of the league to the clubs. The association explains that this is to protect confidentiality clauses in contracts.
Michael Cush is a well respected barrister who has taken prominent commercial cases over the past decade. He is the chairman of the board of the National Gallery and is a fan of football.
