FAI independent chairman Roy Barrett is confident state funding will be restored by football members accepting radical reforms.
Despite plenty of rancour among delegates, a special meeting of senior council was deemed a success for Barrett.
The first-ever independent chairman of the organisation reaffirmed his warning that they would run out of cash if changes weren’t backed at an EGM on August 31.
Government ministers remain steadfast that two independent directors must be added to the 12-person board at the expense of two members elected through football constituencies.
Unless two-thirds of the 203-strong EGM ratify the changes, at least €35m in government funding will remain suspended.
“Ultimately the vast majority want to do the right thing and make the right decision,” said Barrett.
“It’s clear parts of this decision are difficult but, in the round am I confident that people will make a decision in the best interests of Irish football.
“This was a very, very positive meeting, with a full and frank exchange views of everyone.
“They were glad to have that opportunity to express themselves.”
