No fireworks likely but sparks will fly

F.A.I. a.g.m.: Club, league and affiliate representatives from around the country will gather at the Millennium Forum in Derry this morning for the FAI's annual general conference which, not for the first time, will take place against a background of bitter strife among the leading figures within the organisation, writes Emmet MaloneSoccer correspondent

With the attempt to remove the honorary secretary by way of a vote at board level on Thursday having been abandoned, Kevin Fahy's position will not be a topic for formal discussion among the delegates but the week's events seem certain to be raised when a rather low-key looking agenda is worked through and the opportuntity arrives to consider the matter under "any other business".

Supporters of both sides are likely to have their say from the floor during what could turn out to be the most lively part of the day but, assuming the attempt to remove Fahy is to be pursued, the matter will not actually be decided for at least another month due to the legal requirements of the situation.

With only a couple of mundane motions on the agenda for delegates to consider, the other points of interest in the day's business will be the reports of the chief executive and treasurer.

Fahy, like Brendan Dillon prior to his departure more than six months ago, has clearly been unhappy with Fran Rooney's running of the association since taking over the job last year, and the reaction from the floor to the CEO's report this morning will provide a firm indication of how much support the embattled secretary enjoys in the wider organisation.

Many of Dillon's and Fahy's concerns have focused on the finances of the organisation and treasurer John Delaney's report on the accounts will also offer an opportunity to those who share the pair's misgivings to make their feelings known.

On the face of it, the figures are better than expected, with the association finishing the nine months to December 31st with a fractional operating profit instead of the substantial loss that had originally been forecast. Among Rooney's supporters that is in no small part attributed to the chief executive, who is said to have worked hard to boost the attendance at the Australia game and been instrumental in setting up the Turkey match - both of which ended up turning tidy profits for the association - while also being behind successful efforts to bring in additional funds from existing commercial and rights deals.

Critics, however, point to a dramatic drop, (close to €1 million) in the level of the association's current assets over the past 21 months, a substantial increase in the money owed to creditors and a dramatic rise in current expenditure - particularly wages - at a time when income is rising not nearly as quickly.

"I think there are quite reasonable questions that might be asked," said Fahy yesterday, "and I'm hoping that, after the stand I have taken on the issues, other people will have the courage to get off the fence and insist on real transparency rather than what passes for it at present."

It is unclear how much of a reaction the call to arms will generate but it's worth remembering that prior to last year's meeting at least some token resistance was expected to the structural changes being proposed as a result of the Genesis review and yet they were, in the end, passed so quickly that the intended motion could not even be formally proposed.

Tomorrow, meanwhile, Cork City take on NEC Nijmegen of the Netherlands at Turner's Cross in the second leg of their Intertoto Cup second-round tie. A big crowd is expected for the game, with City having done well in the away leg last weekend, securing a 0-0 draw.

Liam Kearney's performances in the competition so far were recognised yesterday when he was named as the Eircom/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland player of the month for June and the hope is that another strong performance by the entire City side will see them through to the third round and a highly-attractive tie with French side Nantes.