Further to Sligo Rovers’ statement of Sunday February 1, the FAI wishes to clarify that it rejected two budgets from the management committee of Sligo Rovers only because they were unsustainable and would have led to financial difficulties for the club.

Sadly, it has been necessary this close season for the FAI to take a stronger stance on budgets if clubs are unwilling to act prudently themselves. This is in the interests of a sustainable and financially viable League of Ireland and applies to all clubs in the League.

While we will continue with this policy, it remains the obligation of the directors and management committees of clubs to run their affairs in a responsible manner.

The FAI also feels obliged to clarify that under the Salary Cost Protocol adopted by all League of Ireland clubs under the participation agreement, no more than 65% of relevant income may be spent on players.