Waterford boss Alan Reynolds says he now regrets the club’s involvement in the Scottish Challenge Cup, and Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley has slammed the ‘scandalous’ chain of events that sees the ‘Tunnocks Caramel Wafer Cup’ take precedence over the FAI Cup.
Waterford’s FAI Cup quarter-final clash with holders Dundalk next weekend is set to be postponed until Monday, September 9.
That’s because they are committed to playing Hearts Colts at the RSC next Friday in the lowly Wafer Cup.
The Crumlin United-Bohs last eight tie is off because of international call-ups but also because Bohs are away to Airdrieonians in the Scottish Cup on Saturday week.
It could be fixed for Monday, September 16 but Galway United-Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers-UCD are set to go ahead as planned next weekend.
On the Scottish Cup conundrum, Blues boss Reynolds said: “I’m sorry we entered it now. It dilutes the competition [FAI Cup].
“That's a massive competition and if we play on a Monday night with the kids back to school, the crowd will be down. Playing a Cup quarter-final on a Monday night is poor.
“If the game against Dundalk is on Monday it will possibly be the U19s (against Hearts Colts).”
‘Rennie’ is also annoyed that his star turn Zack Elbouzedi - only just back from injury - will be away on international duty with Ireland’s Under-21s.
He fumed: “One of the biggest competitions in the country and we’ve an international break!
Shamrock Rovers boss Bradley didn’t hold back when quizzed about the FAI Cup playing second fiddle to another country’s lowly cup competition.
“It’ll be unbelievable if (Waterford-Dundalk) it’s changed for that fixture. If you’re Alan, what are you going to do? You play your 19s,” he said.
“If we’re moving the FAI Cup for that, I’d be really worried where our priorities lie. It’s unacceptable. Whoever is making those calls needs to look at it. It’s scandalous.
“We talk about wanting respect in the league and then we move a game for that? You’re undermining what is traditionally one of the biggest games in the country.”
