THE FOOTBALL Association of Ireland executive committee yesterday turned down a request by Sam Hammam, the owner of Wimbledon, for a meeting with FAI officials.

The committee unanimously requested that the chief executive of the association, Bernard O'Byrne, reply immediately to Hamman's letter, stating that such a meeting would be pointless as the FAI absolutely opposes any proposed move by foreign clubs into the Republic of Ireland.

The FAI confirmed last night that Gerhard Aigner, the general secretary of UEFA, has assured the FAI that no meeting involving members of UEFA has taken place regarding the Wimbledon move.

The FAI strongly restated its opposition to attempts to relocate any overseas club within its jurisdiction.