The FAI have turned down an invitation to an Emergency Meeting of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport on Wednesday.

The invitation was made to discuss the parlous financial standing of the FAI, which revealed liabilities of at least €55 million at a press conference last Friday.

The Associaton have turned down the opportunity to attend, as it's Board representatives are engaged in trying to refinance the Association's accounts.

The FAI have released the following statement: 

The Board of the Football Association of Ireland has this morning informed the Joint Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport that it is unable to accept an invitation to appear before the Committee on Wednesday, December 11th.

The focus of the Board at this moment in time remains the refinancing package that will guarantee the future of the FAI and safeguard jobs, as well as the appointment of an Independent Chairperson and Independent Directors.

As key Board members and senior executive staff are required at meetings vital to the financial restructuring and the appointment of an Independent Chairperson, it is not possible for the FAI to appear before the Oireachtas Committee on this occasion.

The Board remains committed to appearing before the Committee on a date when the appropriate representatives are available.