Football: BOYS' CLUBS START FAI LEGAL ACTION.

Byline: By GARRY DOYLE

THE FAI is facing its first civil war in three years - with seven of Dublin's leading schoolboy clubs threatening legal action.

It is the first time in chief John Delaney's reign that he has faced significant opposition from within the football family - and there is a possibility of an injunction being taken to stop the FAI's EGM taking place today. The issue of compensation is driving the wedge between the opposing parties with the rebel clubs opposed to some proposed rule changes.

The FAI, though, is irritated at the stance being taken and argues positive change has already occurred on this issue for schoolboy clubs throughout Ireland.

It also claims that the protesting clubs are in a minority and that the overwhelming majority are happy with its proposal for domestic compensation.

An FAI statement read: "The SFAI is surprised this issue has risen in the manner it has. The SFAI took part in a three-way process to assist in reaching agreement on a compensation package for when a player changes his status from schoolboy to League of Ireland football."

But the rebel clubs - Cherry Orchard, Crumlin United, Home Farm, Lourdes Celtic, St Kevin's Boys, St Joseph's Boys and Stella Maris - said: "We take no pleasure in resorting to legal means in a bid to stop what is a clear beach of procedure on a technical level and an attack on the very clubs that really care about Irish football and on a daily basis."

CAPTION(S):

John Delaney