Irish FA seeks legal advice over bribery allegations

By Mark Langshaw, Reporter | 24 June 2015

The Football Association of Ireland seeks legal advice over claims that Republic of Ireland players were bribed not to tackle Lionel Messi.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is seeking legal advice over claims that Republic of Ireland players were bribed ahead of a 2010 friendly against Argentina.

Reports in Argentina have claimed that the Irish players were each paid $10,000 (£6,300) by Barcelona to go easy on their star player Lionel Messi, according to PA.

The match came at a time when the Irish FA was attempting to recoup financial losses following the nation's controversial World Cup playoff exit in France nine months earlier.

However, the FAI has dismissed the allegations as "baseless" and has consulted its legal representatives for advice about how to respond.

"The Football Association of Ireland completely refutes the allegations made about the Republic of Ireland vs. Argentina friendly match in La Nacion as baseless," said the governing body in a statement.

"The match in question was organised by Kentaro and announced by press release prior to the World Cup playoffs in 2009. We are consulting our legal advisers in relation to the article, and will be taking further steps."

The Irish lost the game 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Angel di Maria.