Dundalk FC issue statement addressing reported financial dispute with former owner
The Dundalk team celebrate with the trophy after the game. SSE Airtricity League Premier Division, Dundalk v Bray Wanderers, Oriel Park, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Picture credit: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
Dundalk FC claim they are in the process of renewing their Premier Division licence with the FAI, after a report in the Irish Times suggested a dispute with former owner Gerry Matthews may prohibit them from doing do so.
Despite leaving the club in 2012, Matthews continues to hold the lease on the club’s home ground Oriel Park, and is said to be looking to regain some of the money he invested in their Youth Development Centre.
Negotiations between Mr Matthews and the back-to-back SSE Airtricity League champions are at an impasse according to the article in the Irish Times, and it also reports that he has written a letter to the FAI claiming that the club cannot guarantee Oriel Park as a ground for all their home games next season; a requirement of the Association in granting said licence.
A statement released by the club today contained the following:
“Dundalk FC have been successful every year in our application for a Premier License since the takeover was completed in 2013. Dundalk FC have signed documentation outlining the agreements made with Mr. Matthews at the time of the transfer of ownership. These documents include the transfer of the license from his company to the new ownership and also provide the terms of the takeover of all football activities in Oriel Park.
“The fact that we do not possess the lease is preventing Dundalk FC from investing in stadium infrastructure but, in our view, does not prevent us applying for a Premier License in the same manner as in previous years.”
Read the full statement here: http://www.dundalkfc.com/statement-2/
