Casey denies 'irregularities' over tickets

Des Casey, a central figure in the Football Association of Ireland resignation crisis, has denied all allegations of ticket mismanagement.

A firm of Dublin accountants is investigating a shortfall from sales at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. Casey, a respected member of Uefa's eight- man committee, yesterday said he resigned after being "appalled to hear of developments within the FAI" while he was overseeing a youth tournament in Malta last week.

"I categorically assured [the accountants] that at no time had I ever had any part in irregularities, directly or indirectly," he said. "Nor as a non-executive director of the FAI had I ever knowingly contributed to mismanagement. I believe my honesty and integrity within the FAI will stand up to any scrutiny."