Dundalk hit by legal action from Playr-Fit over €130k debt
By ArdeePost Reporter
Dundalk FC’s ongoing financial turmoil has deepened as Armagh-based sportswear manufacturer Playr-Fit confirmed it has initiated legal proceedings against the club over an unpaid debt of €130,000. The company alleges that a repayment agreement made as part of the club’s FAI licensing process has been breached.
The statement, issued by Playr-Fit owner Kieran Quinn, details growing frustration with the Louth club’s failure to honour commitments made under the FAI’s Independent Licensing system last year.
“The licence granted to Dundalk FC for the 2025 season was issued on the basis of an agreement to repay this debt over a specified timeframe,” said Quinn.
“However, the club has reneged on that agreement and failed to make any payments whatsoever in the 12 months since.”
Playr-Fit, who have supplied Dundalk’s kits for the past three seasons, say the club’s persistent non-payment could have serious consequences for its participation in the 2026 SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
Quinn continued:
“This ongoing non-payment places serious doubt over the club’s eligibility for a Premier Division licence for the upcoming season.
As the FAI has itself stated, ‘our licensing system places necessary importance on the protection of creditors to ensure that clubs settle their liabilities promptly, to ensure better cost controls and to encourage clubs to operate on the basis of their own revenues.’
We believe that upholding these principles is vital for the integrity, fairness, and sustainability of Irish football — and to protect local jobs.”
Financial Concerns at Oriel Park
The latest developments mark another blow for Dundalk FC, who are still reeling from boardroom tensions between majority shareholder John Temple and the club’s US-based minority investors. The dispute has caused ongoing instability, affecting everything from player recruitment to infrastructure planning.
Kilduff Agrees to Stay Amid Uncertainty
In a separate but related development, Ciarán Kilduff has confirmed he will remain as Dundalk manager after signing a two-year rolling contract on Monday.
The 37-year-old, who led the club to the First Division title this season, had reportedly offered his resignation last week amid internal disagreements over operational control and funding. His new deal brings a degree of stability, at least temporarily, as Dundalk attempt to navigate their off-field challenges.
“I’m fully committed to this club and to the players who have worked so hard to bring us back to the Premier Division,” said Kilduff. “There’s a lot of work to be done, but my focus is on football and preparing for next season.”
A Club at a Crossroads
While Dundalk fans celebrated a swift return to the top flight, concerns remain over the club’s financial health and licensing future.
With legal action pending and the FAI expected to review the club’s financial documentation, the coming months could prove decisive in determining whether one of Ireland’s most decorated clubs can restore stability — or faces yet another chapter of crisis.