Referees cancel threat to withdraw services after productive talks with FAI

The Football Association of Ireland and the Irish Soccer Referee’s Society are pleased to confirm that the threat to withdraw services by Dublin Branch match officials has now been cancelled following productive talks between the two bodies.

The FAI and the ISRS will continue to work together to implement a range of measures agreed at the talks to ensure that all our match officials continue to be treated with respect by players, coaches, club officials and supporters.

FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott said: “On behalf of the Association and the Grassroots game in Dublin, I want to thank the referees for their engagement in these talks which have produced a positive outcome for all our match officials and players.

“As we highlighted to the ISRS, the FAI is committed to a zero tolerance policy towards any abuse directed at a match official. We have again assured the ISRS that we will ensure that any individual and/or club who commits such an offence will be sanctioned appropriately.”

Irish Soccer Referees Society Vice-President and Dublin Branch secretary Sean Slattery said: “We held very productive talks with the FAI when they listened to our recent concerns and assured us of their commitment to stamping out all abuse of match officials.

“Following the satisfactory outcome of our talks, our members will be instructed to resume their service to refereeing and the proposed dates for the withdrawal of service have been cancelled. We look forward to continuing our work with the FAI to protect all match officials as they go about their duties.”