Brian Kerr believes that the FAI are right to not appear in front of the Oireachtas this week, and that the organisation 'has to be saved.'

Kerr was talking about the ongoing fiasco at the association on Virgin Media Sport, and believes that the importance of the organisation to Irish life means that it cannot go under.

Kerr also believes that due to the severity of the situation, and the jobs of employees that are at risk, that they are right not to appear in front of the Committee on Transport, Tourism and Sport.

"I don't have a problem with them not going to that tomorrow. The remaining directors - Paul Cooke in particular, but the new directors - are obviously working very hard to tidy up some of the mess that is in place at the moment.

"This is an absolutely crucial time. There are 200 employees waiting to find out what their future is [...] they are dangling."

Kerr was critical of the FAI's previous tweet promising to be available to meet representatives from public bodies this week.

FAI controversy

"If they are trying to get something over the line - with the banks or the assurances of UEFA [regarding staffing], then I think it is right that they don't waste time tomorrow.

"That would be for politicians to have a little bit of a bashing session.

"The only one of this group who is still in place that was part of that regime that caused all the problems is Donal Conway, and he needs to go."

However, despite admitting feeling 'devastation' over the events of recent weeks, Kerr had a rallying cry regarding 'this organisation - or a reformed organisation - has to be saved.'

"Football has to continue. Matches have to continue to be played. People have to organise them. Referees will be in place.

"People will be coaching teams. There are teams training all around the country tonight, and matches will go ahead. Someone has to organise it."

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