The Genesis Report will not succeed in reforming the Football Association of Ireland, because the culture of infighting is too far ingrained, the association's former general secretary said last night.
Mr Brendan Menton suggested the report, drawn up after an investigation into the FAI's role in last year's World Cup, was "moving the deckchairs on the Titanic".
But he added that he had "no great expectation" of change in the organisation, which was characterised by "petty politics, leaking information, rowing and fighting".
Speaking at the publication of his book Behind the Green Door: Six Years Inside the FAI, Mr Menton said the association got "95 per cent of things right" at the World Cup, and the overall experience had been "great".
There were "a few problems about Saipan", he conceded, but the positive things would always remain.
Mr Menton paid tribute to the Taoiseach, who was guest of honour at last night's event, for his efforts to build a national sports complex at Abbotstown. "His vision is the correct one," he said, advising Mr Ahern to persevere and "just build it".
Mr Ahern said he agreed "totally", and was delighted at the reception given to the National Aquatic Centre during the Special Olympics.
