FAI prices are unfriendly

MANCHESTER UNITED supporters should be issued with a licence to print money. It's bad enough Red Devil fans being asked to fork out £39 for a replica jersey, but the FAI National League the self proclaimed promoters of soccer in Ireland have no qualms about cashing in on the act, either.

When Alex Ferguson's English Premiership and FA Cup double winning side visit Tolka Park on July 28th for a "friendly" match with a National League selection, the club's Irish based supporters will have to part with £30 for a prime ticket.

Or, if that amount puts too much of a dent in their pocket, supporters can purchase a "cheaper" ticket for £25.

To put the prices in perspective, an Irish soccer fan can buy an East Stand ticket for one of the Republic's upcoming World Cup qualifying matches for £27, while GAA supporters attending the Leinster Football Final at Croke Park (which takes place on the afternoon of United's visit) can purchase a Hogan Stand ticket for £10 or, better still, claim a place in the New Cusack Stand for £12.

The National League Manchester United match is scheduled for Tolka Park on the last Sunday in July with a kick off time of 7.30 pm, with capacity at the ground limited to 10,000. A special draw will be held for 1,000 children's tickets, costing £8 each.

The FAI National League can expect a ticket windfall of £250,000, but spokesman Tony Sheehan defended the price structure. "We don't feel the prices are excessive. We need to charge those amounts to cover insurance costs and, also, to meet Manchester United's fees."

"Insurance has gone through the roof in the past couple of years, and the prices compare favourably with those of two years ago £25 and £20 when United last played here," he added.

But there is another financial sting in the tail for those wishing to enter the children's draw, for which applicants should write to PO Box 5262, Manchester United, Dublin 2. Applicants to the draw must enclose a draft for £35 to cover a child's ticket (£8), an accompanying adult's ticket (£25) and a registered postal fee (£2), used either to return a winning ticket or, alternatively, the disappointed applicant's ticket money, minus the postal fee.

A ticket problem of a different kind caused embarrassment in Merrion Square yesterday after accusations that two tickets sent to the FAI by the English FA for last month's Cup Final between Manchester United and Liverpool at Wembley were purchased for £400, three times their face value.

FAI officials met yesterday with the complainant, as well as Corporate Sport and Leisure, who apparently acquired the tickets from an FAI source. After yesterday's meeting, the FAI accepted that a "technical breach" of their strict ticket criteria had taken place and that steps are being taken to prevent a recurrence.

Meanwhile, the FAI is to conduct an open competition to fill the position of chief executive. Des Casey, the FAI vice president/hon secretary, stated that the decision by the FAI Council to publicly advertise in the national press next week was in line with recommendations of two consultancy reports. A special interview panel will meet candidates short listed by consultants.

The interview panel has been asked to make a clear recommendation to the FAI Council.