RODDY COLLINS WILL have to pay a €1000 fine or serve a six-game touchline ban after the FAI’s Independent Appeal Committee quashed his attempt to have a recent disciplinary decision overturned.

Last month, the Monaghan United boss was found to be in breach of FAI rule 94 (Disparaging Comments) following an appearance on RTÉ Radio 1.

During the course of an interview, Collins discussed the €400,000 salary of CEO John Delaney as well as what he perceived to be a poor standard of footballing facilities in the country.

A statement issued by the FAI confirmed the disciplinary committee’s original decision, saying that the matter could not simply be viewed as a freedom of speech issue as Collins was bound by the FAI’s own rules.

“The Appeal Committee found that Mr Collins made unsubstantiated allegations which questioned the integrity of the FAI and its management and were disparaging of the organisation,” the statement read.

“The Appeal Committee found that Mr Collins was subject to FAI rules and rejected his submissions in relation to procedures and jurisdiction of the hearing.

The Football Association of Ireland takes this opportunity to refute recently published comments about this case which suggest that it was an attack on freedom of expression. This was simply a Sports Disciplinary hearing taken in relation to a breach of rules.  The expression of unsubstantiated allegations and disparaging comments made by a person bound by its rules left the Association with no alternative but to take action to protect the reputation of the sport in general.

Collins must now decide whether to accept the disciplinary decision and subsequent punishment, or to lodge an appeal for arbitration.

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