THE DUBLIN SUPER CUP storm blew over last night as the PFAI and FAI agreed to an improved set of conditions for the Airtricity League’s 22-man squad.
Preparations snagged yesterday as League of Ireland players threatened to pull out of the two-day tournament after learning that they would be paid less than €300 after tax for their participation.
PFAI general secretary Stephen McGuinness — who yesterday told TheScore.ie that the players “felt that they had to make a stand” — met with league director Fran Gavin last night to finalise the new arrangements and put the matter to bed.
It is understood that players’ fee has now been bumped up from €650 pre-tax to €1000, and that their personal ticket allocation has been increased from two per player to six.
However, the Irish representatives will still have to travel to nearby Wanderers Rugby Club in order to use their shower facilities, an issue which was not high on their list of priorities, despite that fact that new showers were recently installed in the Aviva for use by Glasgow Celtic at a cost of €50,000.
“The players are looking forward to playing at the weekend and are relieved to put this dispute behind them,” the PFAI said in a statement last night.
The Airtricity XI will open the four-team tournament on Saturday afternoon when they face Roberto Mancini’s Manchester City, with Inter Milan and Celtic meeting in the day’s second game.
On Sunday afternoon, the Irish side play Celtic before Inter Milan take on Manchester City.
