Derry City thrown out of League of Ireland
Sunday November 08 2009
Derry City were last night sensationally thrown out of the League of Ireland by the FAI.
Following a meeting of the FAI's Board of Management, it was confirmed that the association was terminating Derry City's league status, saying the club had failed to comply with its Participation Agreement.
"The Board of Management reached its decision following statements from FAI personnel that Derry City had admitted to them at a meeting of November 4 (held at the request of Derry City), to holding second unofficial contracts with its players," read a statement.
The FAI has, however, left the door open for Derry City to compete in senior football in the league of Ireland next year, but not in the Premier Division. In the coming weeks, they will meet with club officials to discuss their options.
Bray, who had finished bottom, now have a chance to stay up when they take on Drogheda United on Tuesday in a play-off. The losers of that game will play the winners of the First Division play-off between Shelbourne and Sporting Fingal for the right to play in the top flight next year.
The forthcoming Setanta Sports Cup game between Derry City and St Patrick's Athletic has also been postponed. That begs the question as to what happens if Cork City, who have courted controversy all season, are also relegated. As it stands, Cork still have unresolved issues with the Revenue Commissioners, and they are also due in the High Court before Christmas, having been issued with proceedings by former manager Alan Mathews.
The last ball was kicked in the final series of Premier Division matches last Friday night, but the drama continues unabated off the pitch.
- SEN RYAN and MARIE CROWE
Sunday Independent
