Northern Ireland

Republic of Ireland women fail to show at training camp in soccer row

Republic of Ireland captain Emma Byrne, right, and other members of the international squad Picture: RTÉ
Republic of Ireland captain Emma Byrne, right, and other members of the international squad Picture: RTÉ Republic of Ireland captain Emma Byrne, right, and other members of the international squad Picture: RTÉ

MEMBERS of the Republic of Ireland women's team have carried out their threat not to attend a Football Association of Ireland training camp in Dublin on Wednesday.

The players are fighting for the right to compensation from their governing body to cover lost earnings while on international duty, and improved resources.

PFA Ireland player executive Ollie Cahill said: "At a team meeting the members of the Women's National Team decided that they are unfortunately unable to attend today's training camp.

"The players have not taken this decision lightly. The players wish to make clear that they simply want the FAI to respect their right to choose their own representatives and have all the outstanding issues which are affecting their ability to achieve their maximum potential for their country resolved in a swift, amicable and professional manner."

There are now fears the team's scheduled friendly match against Slovakia next Monday could be called off if the stand-off continues to escalate.

Among the players' demands are match fees of €300, bonuses of €150 for a win and €75 for a draw, gym membership for the squad and the provision of team clothing – with some players claiming they have had to change in airport toilets to hand back tracksuits after games.

However, the PFAI, which is affiliated to the Services, Industrial, Professional and Technical Union (Siptu), said the FAI has refused to enter into negotiations with it.

PFAI official Stuart Gilhooly told a press conference on Tuesday: "There is a possibility that the game against Slovakia will not go ahead. The last thing the women's international team want is to not play a game."

In a separate development on Wednesday, FAI chief executive John Delaney was voted on to the UEFA executive committee at the UEFA Congress in Helsinki. Delaney refused to answer any questions about the women's issue.