Members of the Irish women’s national football team decided not to attend the squad’s first scheduled training session of the week "despite accepting an invitation" from the FA of Ireland to attend mediation late on Wednesday afternoon, but a "resolution in the dispute highlighted at their press conference on Tuesday does appear to be a little closer," according to Emmet Malone of the IRISH TIMES. Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland Player Exec Ollie Cahill said, "At a team meeting the members of the Women’s National Team decided that they are unfortunately unable to attend today’s training camp. The players have not taken this decision lightly. The players wish to make clear that they simply want the FAI to respect their right to choose their own representatives and have all the outstanding issues which are affecting their ability to achieve their maximum potential for their country resolved in a swift, amicable and professional manner." Services Industrial Professional & Technical Union Services Division Organizer Ethel Buckley "made it clear" that the players accepted the invitation to mediation. She said, "The players and their representatives are encouraged by a communication sent to team members today by the FAI inviting them to attend the mediation process along with their representatives" (IRISH TIMES, 4/5).
