FAI workers’ Union warn current approach risks undermining Irish football

SIPTU members in the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have raised serious concerns over its strategic direction, the credibility of its Transformational Programme and threats to the game at grassroots level ahead of a meeting of the FAI Board next week.

SIPTU Sector Organiser, Robbie Purfield, said: “Our members working in the FAI, which includes workers throughout the organisation, fear that the current approach risks undermining Irish football from grassroots to elite level. Recent decisions by management, among them the closure of two FAI/ETB training centres in Cork are a serious blow to the development of the game. These centres have played a vital role in youth engagement, community outreach, and the development of future players at all levels.”

“This is not just about protecting our members, it is about the survival and development of football at every level in Ireland. Our members who are currently concerned about their future are the same people who ensure the game thrives in communities across the country. If the board presses ahead with any major change without consultation with SIPTU and its members, the damage to grassroots football could be long-lasting and irreversible. This in turn would also have a major impact on the international teams in years to come.

“Our members are committed to the day-to-day running and long-term growth of football in Ireland. Any move to significantly reduce staffing will weaken the foundations of the sport and undermine opportunities for players, clubs and communities. We are urging the board to engage with workers before making decisions that could harm the game for years to come.”

SIPTU Organiser, Hugh Kennedy, said: “We very much agree the FAI needs significant reform if it is to take full advantage of the rising popularity of the game, from grassroots level to the League of Ireland Clubs. This popularity coupled with a renewal of the FAI could see the game enter a very positive period for it in Ireland. However, the short-term fixes that are being presented by management do not meet the scale of improvements Irish football needs. We are particularly concerned that staff have not been adequately engaged about the rationale and goals of many of these proposed changes. Our issues concern this complete lack of adequate consultation with workers engaged at grassroots level about its future and the structures that support it.”

“A degree of respect should be shown for those who dedicate their working lives to the game and are deeply invested in its future. Following the Our Union, Our Team campaign, which secured a commitment to improved industrial relations, we hoped for an ongoing constructive relationship with management and the board of the organisation. This is currently under threat and if necessary we will recommence the public ‘Our Union, Our Team’ campaign and consider other approaches to resolve this situation.”