SHELBOURNE manager Damien Duff has issued an apology to FAI staff.
Earlier this week, the former Ireland winger suggested that an Irish football reset might benefit from shedding 90% of the associations’ staff.
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Duffer also claimed that he’d like to see FAI HQ at Abbotstown ‘levelled’ in.
The former Blackburn and Chelsea star was speaking before his Shelbourne team’s Europa Conference clash against St Joseph’s of Gibraltar.
The ex-Ireland star said: “I would – how would I word it – raze Abbotstown to the ground because it’s the most uninviting, unenthusiastic work place, not in world football but in the world.
“The fact you’re laughing shows I’m not far off the f***ing mark.
“I used to dread going in there once a month. So I’d level it.”
But the two-time Premier League winner retracted his comments as he described his comments as “ridiculous.”
A statement read: “Dear all FAI staff,
Hi, it is Damien Duff here.
I am writing this letter to you all to say that I am deeply sorry for my comments in the media on Wednesday 10th July when I mentioned sacking 90% of the FAI staff.
I know it was wrong when I said it and it is all I have thought about since. You are all working hard for the benefit of Irish football. Trying to pay bills, support families and pay mortgages and, frankly, it was a ridiculous comment.
It was deeply disrespectful to you all and you all have every right to be disappointed and angry with me.
I love Irish football, I love the league and will always continue to fight for them both but my words helped neither. My emotion and fight for the game came out very poorly and I regret it.
Once again, I am deeply sorry.
Yours sincerely,
Damien Duff
Damien Duff
Shelbourne FC Manager”