FAI say club had second contracts

Derry City chairman Pat McDaid described the expulsion as "unfair"

The Football Association of Ireland has said that Derry City Football Club officials admitted that more than 20 players had second contracts.

The club were expelled from the League of Ireland on Saturday over the issue.

FAI Director Fran Gavin said "the chairman and the vice-chairman admitted they were operating two contracts and had been doing so for some time".

Derry City FC Chairman Pat McDaid has disputed the claims and said his players only have standard contracts.

Mr McDaid said they are taking legal advice over Saturday's decision.

The expulsion came after allegations that Derry City had unofficial contracts with players.

But Mr McDaid said the club would not accept the judgement of the FAI. He vowed to challenge the Association's decision which he claimed was "unfair".

"If there is any legal mechanism whatsoever, north or south, we will be challenging this.

"They have also told us that we don't even have the right to appeal anywhere - shame on them," he said.

The chairman made the comments during a press conference at the Brandywell which was held on Sunday afternoon.

Derry City FC has experienced a well-publicised financial crisis in recent months.

The club finished fourth in the league, after beating Dundalk on Friday in their final game of the season.

Mr McDaid said the club was entitled to 80,000 euros in prize money but accused the FAI of blocking the payment.