Galway United’s premier division status hangs by a thread with the FAI set to make a crucial appeal decision on whether the western club will be granted a top flight tomorrow (Friday ).
On Monday news filtered to the west that 14 premier division licences had been awarded and Galway United were not included. It was a significant blow to the Galway United Supporters’ Trust that have taken over the day-to-day running of affairs in the past fortnight, and its members have quickly stated their intention to appeal the decision. Galway were not even granted a licence to play in the first division, meaning there is a possibility they may be forced to operate in the A Championship.
The reason United failed to obtain the licence is due to the lack of a tax clearance certificate from Revenue and their inability to reach an agreement with one football creditor who is believed to be owed €1,700. However United are confident they can lodge a successful appeal, but, as new evidence cannot be submitted, it will be a difficult process.
Galway United are believed to have reached a verbal agreement with Revenue regarding obtaining the clearance certificate. It is unknown whether the payment of the football creditor and the arrival of a clearance certificate can pave the way for United to be issued with a licence to perform in the top flight.
GUST has called an EGM for any Galway United supporters interested in helping to secure their premier status for tonight at Terryland Park. Monaghan United are poised to replace Galway if the appeal fails.
The future of manager Sean Connor and the players who have featured in two pre-season friendly wins over Donegal Celtic and PSNI remains in limbo as United await the FAI’s verdict. The vast majority of last season’s squad have departed from the Dyke Road for other outfits in the league and across channel which is a grave pity as Connor had stitched together a decent pool of players considering the financial restraints. Now the future of Galway United is in jeopardy although loyal supporters remain adamant they will compete at some level in 2011.
