Sir, I was delighted to read that the FAI rejected the proposed Wimbledon move to Dublin if the FAI is against it, then the move must have plenty to recommend itself.
The FAI is completely out of touch with the Irish soccer public by opposing such a mouthwatering proposal. Is it not, incredible that with the wave of interest in Irish soccer in the last to years, the FAI's goodwill barrel is empty?
Stranger still is its a Ia carte approach to applying rules. In rejecting Wimbledon's move to Dublin, does it not see any double standards in Derry being in the League of Ireland or the encouragement given to Home Farm/Everton?
On the financial side, the FAI should realise that modern day sport is business first, sport second e.g., how else would Blackburn be champions. The move would be a huge money spinner. Dublin, with support from all over Ireland, could support not one but two teams picture the Dublin derby to rival the Manchester and London derbies. The move would also bring a purpose built sports complex to Dublin, and the biggest single indictment of the FAI is that after to good years it has squandered the opportunity of having a stadium in the capital.
While the FAI wants to protect the League of Ireland, it should realise that it is literally in a different league to the Premiership. It will also have a responsibility to the wider Irish soccer public. There is a whole pool of Irish soccer fans who would not go to a League game, but would seize the Premiership chance.
On the European side, the FAI should have learnt the lesson that you cannot discriminate against our fellow Europeans e.g. the Bosman case. If the FAI brought Wimbledon's move to court, the FAI would be red carded all the way to the European High Court. FIFA's approval would be more problematical.
Irish soccer players have graced the Premiership and English League, and this has made it what it is today. The move by Wimbledon would be suitable recompense to the fanatical Irish soccer public for all the Irish talent which had to be exported. The prospect of little kids and big kids seeing their heroes on home soil in serious, competitive Premiership matches is tantalising.
One good thing about last month's result is that we will either be gearing up for another summer of Irish soccer fanaticism, or having a big FAI clear out. For once, the Irish soccer fan cannot lose. Yours, etc., Loreto Grange, Bray, Co Wicklow.