When the news came last week that the FAI was in debt to the tune of €55 million and the extent of the association's problems were laid bare, the questions turned to how many jobs could be lost. Various numbers have been floating around over the last few days with suggestions that the figure could be 60 if Ireland don't qualify for next year's Euro 2020 Championships. To put that in context – a large number of people's livelihoods may be resting on Ireland winning two matches away from home over the space of five days. It's far from a desirable position to be in and Emmet Malone reports this morning that the union representing many of the FAI's staff hopes to meet with management over the coming days to get some clarity on what that figure actually is. Meetings have already been held with staff but have led to frustration as management failed to disclose exact details. On the same subject this morning, Jack Horgan-Jones reports that one of the associations main sponsors – SSE Airtricity – are to meet with officials this week to discuss their concerns.
Moving to rugby now and Gerry Thornley writes in his column this morning that the Irish halfback situation – once set in stone – is now not so certain. "As things stand, both Sexton and Carbery are sidelined and, albeit this far out, appear to be significant doubts for the start of the Six Nations. So what would happen then?" he writes. Yesterday, Robin McBryde gave his first interview since taking over as Leinster's scrum coach. "There's a bit of pressure, but I'm here to perform as well. I'm conscious of that; I can't be in the background all the time. I've to step into the breach and take some responsibility and ownership. I'm just introducing them to different ways of thinking, different ways of coaching," said current Grand Sword Bearer of the Gorsedd of British and Irish bards.
On to soccer and Arsenal got back on track last night with a first league win in eight matches as they came from behind to beat West Ham 3-1. Freddie Ljungberg's players showed their mettle and the interim coach took his first victory since stepping in for Unai Emery. Tonight Liverpool face a tense final group stage clash in the Champions League as they meet Red Bull Salzburg knowing that a loss would see them crash out. Meanwhile, Chelsea will take on Lille at Stamford Bridge knowing a win will see them advance to the last 16 while a draw could also get the job done depending on the result between Valencia and Ajax. Last night the news emerged that former Ireland striker Daryl Murphy secretly served a six-month ban for cocaine use. "Firstly, I would like to stress that the taking of recreational drugs is something that I don't condone whatsoever," Murphy said. "I served a suspension at the beginning of last season for making a bad decision while on a night out," he told Daniel Taylor of The Athletic.
On to our consumer pages this week where Aonghus Ó Maicín looks at GAA club raffles and how lucrative they can be. Recently Roscommon GAA ran a draw with a house as first prize, eventually pulling in €943,400 after selling 14,034 tickets for €100 each. There are also five upcoming sporting rivalries to whet the appetite and a weekend of Champions Cup rugby for less than ¤210.
After a record four-medal haul at the European Cross Country Championships on Sunday, Ian O'Riordan looks at the paths taken by Ireland's medalists while, in GAA, Ballyboden's Ryan Basquel has questioned the timing of early January club semi-finals.
