Mick McCarthy is not allowed to have any contact with former FAI chief executive John Delaney, he revealed yesterday.
Ever since Delaney was placed on gardening leave in April, the FAI has refused to answer questions about him, citing legal advice.
But at yesterday’s press conference in Trim, a news reporter lobbed the grenade at the Ireland boss.
The FAI’s director of communications was about to chip in with the by now well rehearsed line of not answering Delaney-related questions.
But McCarthy interjected and said: “Sorry, I will answer that. You know full well, and if you’re being mischievous, I’m not allowed to have any contact with him or he I.
“So that’s your answer. If you ask any more about it you’re going to get an even worse star. I have answered you and if you want to talk about football, fine, if not….”
McCarthy was asked if the ongoing political strife in Irish football was hampering his work with the senior team.
He said: “It has really upset us so far hasn't it? It has caused us a great deal of consternation because we're top of the league with 10 points!
“We have won three and drawn one, so what else can you do? Not at all. it doesn't affect me one iota, not a little bit because I'm the coach, not an administrator.
“There are so many good things going on with the FAI so it doesn't bother me.”
Meanwhile, McCarthy has again stressed that he has no intention of chasing Patrick Bamford to declare.
The Leeds United attacker knows he is wanted by the Irish boss but hasn’t come clean on his intentions.
“If he wants to play for me, he's got my number and can send me a message. I have done all the chasing as far as I’m concerned.”
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