The FAI has turned down an invitation to appear before an Oireachtas committee tomorrow.
But Sport Ireland and Minister for Sport, Shane Ross, will go before the committee at 9.30am.
It is the second time in a week that the crisis-hit football body has snubbed such an invite.
In a letter to the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism & Sport today, FAI COO Rea Walshe said the FAI’s time was best spent addressing its financial issues.
She wrote: “I confirm that we had an open and honest meeting at Leinster House yesterday with Ministers Ross and Griffin.
“As stressed after that meeting the immediate focus of the Board must be on the financial restructuring necessary to safeguard jobs, the FAI’s financial future and the appointment of an Independent Chairperson and three Independent Directors.
“At this moment in time, this requires the undivided attention of the Board of the Association and key management, it is for this reason that the Association is regretfully not in a position to appear before the Joint Committee, tomorrow Wednesday, December 18th.”
The letter continued: “As soon as the measures outlined above are complete, the Board will welcome the opportunity to appear before the Committee at a time that suits your members.
“The Board of the FAI thanks the Committee for its patience and understanding at this critical juncture for Irish football.”
Sport Ireland will be represented by chairman Kieran Mulvey, chief executive John Treacy and Colm McGinty, Director of Strategic Programmes
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