Licence appeal success for Galway

A topsy-turvy week in the history of Galway United football club ended in a successful appeal to the Independent Club Licensing Appeals Body at Abbotstown this morning. Following a hearing of the club's case, which centred around their ability to provide a tax clearance certificate from the Revenue Commissioners, the FAI have released the following statement which paves the way for Sean Connor's side to participate in the Premier Division in 2011.

"The Independent Club Licensing Appeals Body met this morning to consider Galway United’s appeal of the decision of the Independent Club Licensing Committee not to award the club a Premier Division Licence.

The Appeals Body noted that it is essential to good governance in football that all required documentation is supplied by its due date and in this particular case, they recognise that the onus was on the club to produce the appropriate evidence to the Club Licensing Committee.

The Appeals Body acknowledge that the tax affairs of the club were and are in order and it was clear that the club had made attempts to secure the appropriate documentation but due to exceptional events were unable to provide it on the date required.

Given the full circumstances that pertain to this case, the Appeals Body overturned the decision of the Club Licensing Committee and awarded a League Licence – Premier Division to Galway United FC.