The FAI have revealed Mick McCarthy had paved the way for Roy Keane to return but that his former captain scuppered the deal.
The Republic of Ireland boss had agreed a statement that was to be released on Tuesday night to confirm Keane's return after FAI treasurer John Delaney and Keane's solicitor, Michael Kennedy, had agreed a deal.
The final step in the reconciliation was for Keane to telephone McCarthy to smooth over the situation - but that call never came.
"The reason Roy is not here is Roy himself. Roy ended any chance of a comeback," FAI general secretary Brendan Menton told the Sun.
"We had done everything including arranging his flight to Tokyo and agreeing a statement with Mick to announce Roy's return. Everything had been agreed with his people. The statement was acceptable to Mick, Roy's advisers had given us the green light and we even agreed a time to announce his comeback.
"We are as disappointed as anyone that Roy did not see the deal through. We were convinced he was on his way back".
PA