The High Court will rule today on a bid by Limerick Football Club to restrain the Football Association of Ireland from replacing it in the League of Ireland.
JRM Sports, the trading name of Limerick FC, is seeking an injunction, pending the outcome of full court proceedings, preventing the FAI from negotiating any contracts to replace Limerick FC or from granting a licence to another new team.
The club alleges unfairness in the manner in which the FAI heard the club's appeal against the decision not to grant it a licence which would allow it to participate during the 2007 season. The club fears it will go out of existence if it cannot play in the league, which is due to kick off in early March.
A licence is granted when certain criteria are fulfilled, including the submission of financial reports, youth development and club facilities.
The FAI opposes the granting of the injunction. Mr Justice Frank Clarke said he would rule on the matter today.
Earlier this month, the club secured a temporary order stopping the FAI from replacing it in the First Division of the league. That order also prevents any proposed new national league sides which have applied for a licence from signing a participation agreement.
Adrian Mannering SC, for Limerick FC, said the club was informed by the FAI that its application for a licence was turned down on December 1st. A subsequent appeal was rejected.
Mr Mannering said his client felt the appeal process was unfair and unreasonable and generally flawed. While it was accepted the Limerick club had failed to do certain things, others who were in financial difficulties had been given a licence and Limerick FC felt it was being singled out.
Paul Gardiner SC, for the FAI, said changes were introduced last summer which saw the league come under the control of the FAI. Stricter criteria were introduced in regards to licences. All clubs, including Limerick, signed up and were aware of what those changes meant.