FAI to meet Government next Friday - February 16,
2000
The FAI will meet the Irish Government delegation for talks about Stadium Ireland next Friday, February 23, at Government buildings.
The Government wants the FAI to abandon its plans to build a 45,000-seater stadium in west Dublin and instead become the major tenant in the Government's own proposed 80,000-seater arena, Stadium Ireland. In return, the FAI wants to know what inducements are on offer.
The FAI delegation will comprise chief executive Bernard O'Byrne and the associations five senior elected officers.
On the Government side will be Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern, Sports Minister Jim McDaid and Finance Minister Charlie McCreevy.
The FAI delegation is expected to take the position that the association, with 350,000 members, is entitled to significant Government funding regardless of whether or not it rows in with the Government plan.