From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media
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“There is no reason why the mistakes of the FAI top brass should be borne by innocent players.”
The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross TD and the Minister with responsibility for Sport Brendan Griffin TD, today welcomed the decision by the Board of Sport Ireland to approve the payment of 2019 grant funding for the Women’s National Football Team. The grant of €195,000 will be paid by Sport Ireland to BDO who will oversee the disbursement of the funding in line with terms and conditions. The core objective of the fund is about raising standards and improving the quality of playing and training environments for the Women’s National Football Team.
Minister Ross said “I am very pleased that we can now confirm the payment of the 2019 grant for the Women’s National Football Team and that a process has been put in place which will ensure that there is full accountability in relation to this funding. This funding scheme, which recognises the unique status afforded to players who represent Ireland, was introduced last year. Regrettably funds had to be withheld this year due to the financial and corporate governance failures in the FAI. Despite this, we have been eager to ensure we continue to support the players who make such a huge contribution as the leading exponents of Women’s football in Ireland. There is no reason why the mistakes of the FAI top brass should be borne by innocent players. We must recognise their commitment to representing our country with such distinction, at the highest level. The team are wonderful role models for young women and girls and I hope they will build on their recent success to secure qualification for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2021.”
Minister Griffin said “I welcome the decision by the Board to approve this payment which will support the Women’s National Football Team programme and assist in further improving the standard of playing and training environments. The women’s team have enjoyed unprecedented attendances and support from the fans in their recent home internationals. I am delighted that a process is now in place to support the players while ensuring appropriate oversight of public funds. While it remains the position that funding to the FAI is suspended, the Government is continuing to support the development of football in Ireland, as evidenced by today’s decision and the recent announcement of over €4.5 million in Sports Capital Programme grants to football clubs throughout the country.”
Republic of Ireland internationals Jamie Finn and Niamh Reid Burke said: “On behalf of the Ireland players, we thank Sport Ireland for their support and look forward to doing the country proud in the remaining Euro 2021 qualifiers.”
ENDS
Additional Information
• Government funding to the FAI has been withheld since April 2019, in light of revelations around financial and corporate governance irregularities at the association. Government funding through the Sports Capital Programme was not affected.
• The Women’s National Team grant funding announced today, makes a significant contribution to support the panel of home and foreign based player to participate in a high performance training programme as elite athletes, with a view to raising standards and providing an enhanced playing and training environment for the Irish Senior Women’s Team.
• Sport Ireland will make payment directly to BDO in relation to costs associated with the Women’s National Football Team Programme.
• BDO will oversee, report and account for any funding received from Sport Ireland. This includes acceptance of responsibility for the payment and administration of any grant and the processes and regulations to be followed.
• BDO are responsible for ensuring and confirming to Sport Ireland that necessary conditions are met by players and the FAI, and that grant funding expenditure falls within approved categories.
• Only costs legitimately incurred and associated with the Women’s National Football Team Programme can be supported. (e.g. player expenses, team travel, accommodation)
• No funding will be provided to the FAI bank accounts either directly from Sport Ireland, or indirectly via BDO.
• Full transparency is required in respective Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2019 regarding any funding provided to the Women’s National Team players or the Women’s National Team Programme through BDO in 2019.
• This grant programme is fully independent of any other funding allocation to the FAI by Sport Ireland.