SEAGULLS REQUEST TRANSFER EN MASSE
BRAY WANDERERS are continuing their search for the investment required to pay their players for the remainder of the season. The club have secured funds for the remainder of July but have yet to secure any further injection of finance. This comes after all the professionals in the Bray squad signed a statement insisting that they had placed themselves on the transfer list because bosses had not provided their union, PFA Ireland, with details of the new investment along with guarantees that the money would be secured until the end of their contracts. It read: ‘In those circumstances, and in view of the fact that the current transfer window closes on 31st July ... it is with regret that all players are now placing themselves on the transfer list.’ The players claim that the FAI has refused to meet with PFA Ireland and ignored a request for representation from the Association in a meeting with senior Bray officials. The governing body was also heavily criticised in a separate statement released by the board of management at Athlone Town yesterday after the FAI confirmed last week that it had brought charges against members of the club in relation to manipulation of matches, betting/gambling and bringing the game into disrepute. Athlone criticised the legitimacy of the investigation and are seeking legal advice. Meanwhile, it is understood the FAI will facilitate a potential Dundalk v Celtic Champions League qualifier at Aviva Stadium. The Lilywhites must first get past Rosenborg, after a 1-1 draw earlier this week, while Celtic have a 2-0 lead over Linfield. In the Europa League third qualifying round draw Cork City will play Rabotnicki (Macedonia) or Dinamo Minsk (Belarus) while Shamrock Rovers will face Kairat Almaty (Kazakhstan) or Skënderbeu (Albania) if the two clubs progress.