An FAI Player of the Year award has been put up for sale on eBay by a mystery seller. The trophy is the FAI Under-21 International Player of the Year, which according to the seller, was an “unwanted present”.
According to the product’s description, the award has had one previous owner and is in “mint condition”. However from the attached photos, both the recipient’s name and the year awarded, appear to have been scratched out. (motivationandlove)
The trophy is made by Waterford Crystal and despite costing over €2,000 to make, the seller has started the bidding at just €50 or £10.
“Worth over 2 grand, looking for €50 obo. Willing to consider England World Cup memorabilia as a trade. Also selling a range of slightly worn Rep. of Ireland jerseys. €5 each or €20 for the lot.”
The Irish Football Association say they have contacted Ebay directly to have the item removed. “An FAI award must be earned and cannot be bought for €50,” a defiant John Delaney said. “We wouldn’t even listen to anything under €1,000 for one.”
Amongst the list of household names to have previously won the award include Seamus Coleman, Kevin Doyle, Barry Quinn, Glenn Whelan and David Worrell.
Glenn Whelan quickly ruled himself out by tweeting a picture of his 2004 award, which was placed in an otherwise empty, trophy cabinet.
The identity of the seller remains a mystery.
