The walls around Derry City football club came tumbling down on Saturday 7th November, When the FAI terminated the clubs contract and through them out of the League of Ireland. Derry like must clubs were struggling in the recession with debts between half a million and eight hundred thousand pounds, The players were due 2 months wages so the FAI and the PFAI came on board to investigate. What developed over that first weekend of the month was mind boggling. The FAI’s decision to terminate Derry’s contract was based on the failure of the club to comply with the terms and conditions of their license. The league had said Derry was holding illegal secondary unofficial contracts with players. Derry City Officials were infuriated, Chairman Pat Mc Daid gave his reaction immediately after the meeting….
FAI Chairman John Delaney hit back with proof on paper and a figure of over €300,000 connected to contacts. Just days later the chairman Pat Mc Daid and the board had resign and the players contacted the FAI admitting signing two contracts but stated they had no knowledge of fraudulent activities and claimed the club had deceived them. Manager Stephen Kenny also announced that he was kept in the dark as to what was really going on.
A high profile FAI delegation come to the city to meet Council officials, supporters and business men to begin the process of restoring stability at the Brandywell. The outcome was an invited to Derry to reapply to the League of Ireland in a lower Division.
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