UEFA Eases Football Association of Ireland Aviva Stadium Debt Concerns

According to reports, European football governing body UEFA has saved the day by supporting Football Association of Ireland with debt repayments for the Aviva Stadium.

UEFA has dipped into its development fund for several million Euros – providing the FAI with a “solidarity payment” for its main creditors, Danske Bank.

Finance director Josef Koller told the Irish Sunday Times after meeting with FAI chief executive John Delaney: “It is a really difficult situation, because of the economic crisis, and we said ‘Okay, we can advance certain solidarity payments.’

“I just said to John Delaney that if you want me to be there and I can assist by explaining it from UEFA’s point of view, I will do it.

“Danske felt very comfortable to have somebody from UEFA there, especially the finance director. It was really worthwhile to explain to Danske how important this is for us.”