Limerick FC squad informed they can leave the club due to financial troubles

Reports emerged late on Friday night that Limerick FC players were told they could leave the Shannonside club with immediate effect due to persistent unpaid wages and financial problems at the Airtricity League Premier Division club. It is suggested that club officials broke the news to the players ahead of the key league clash with Bohemians at the Markets Field.

The news broke through the Irish Daily Mirror on Friday night:

Reliably told that the Limerick players were told after tonight's draw with Bohemians that there's no wages and – as they haven't been paid since end of April – the entire squad is free to leave

— Paul O'Hehir (@paulohehir) June 1, 2018

Long serving chairman Pat O’Sullivan has been searching for investment for the last three seasons and recently told a gathering in Limerick that he wished to sell his stake in the club. Also, local media were informed that the club would have no option but to go part-time if significant investment wasn’t attained. Unfortunately, it appears the situation is now much worse.

Attendances at the Markets Field have fallen dramatically in recent months due to struggles on the pitch while no investment has been forthcoming. Limerick FC players haven’t been paid since the end of April and under FIFA rules, once you haven’t been paid in four weeks, you are free to leave your current club.

Limerick are due to travel to Louth on Friday night to take on Dundalk in the league. However, the game remains a doubt due to last night’s bombshell. The club have yet to release an official statement in relation to the issue.