Tension between the FAI and the Republic of Ireland Women's team has hit boiling point.
This morning, 14 members of the national side, along with Stuart Gilhooly of the PFAI (Professional Footballers Association of Ireland) held a press conference in Dublin, outlining their concerns at the resources and treatment given to them by the FAI.
Most worryingly, the group said that they could refuse to play in a scheduled friendly with Slovakia next week, if a resolution is not found.
The team issued a list of grievances they want addressed, revealing that they have to share tracksuits with underage teams, resulting in them having to change clothes in airport bathrooms on away trips.
In full, the issues they want resolved are:
- Access to a nutritionist, as well as individual strength and conditioning programmes.
- Gym membership to be provided for the squad.
- Hotel accommodation to include working and reliable wi-fi.
- Apparel for travelling to be provided to the squad prior to meeting up at airport.
- More home-based training sessions.
- All non-professional players to receive loss of earnings documented from their employers.
- Goalkeeper coach to remain for campaign, not change from game to game.
- Match fee for all international fixtures of €300.
- Bonus for competitive fixtures of €150 per win and €75 per draw.
- Qualification bonus to be agreed with team captain and player representatives at least four weeks prior to start of qualification campaign.
The FAI have hit back in a statement, saying they are "deeply disappointed" that the players have threatened to withdraw from playing for their country.
The association also say they have made repeated efforts to engage in dialogue with the team, and that they have already taken steps to improve the team's resources.
"The ultimatum by the players concerned comes in spite of repeated invitations from the FAI to the Players to discuss clear and tangible financial offers for the payment and compensation of members of the squad.
"Repeated efforts by the Association have been made in a bid to encourage the players to row back from their unprecedented ultimatum.
"On five occasions in recent months the FAI has attempted to bring the Players to the table, only to have the offer rebuked at every turn.
"The Association has agreed to a mediation process, yet the players have decided to progress regardless with a PFAI press conference, instead of meeting through an agreed mediator.
"Proposals to address issues raised in the following areas have been prepared/implemented:
- "nutrition and strength and conditioning
- high performance gym access
- hotel accommodation and wifi
- apparel for travel
- goal-keeping coach
- financial offer"
The standoff between the parties appears to stem from the presence of the PFAI in the process. At this morning's press conference, the women's team say that they have sought for the players' body to represent them in talks, but that the FAI will not agree.
