GAA players to boycott media duties in expenses fallout

Some inter-county footballers will boycott media duties this weekend to highlight a stand-off with the GAA over expenses.

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) believes there should now be a full reinstatement of provisions of the charter that were put in place pre-Covid.

As the disagreement escalates, RTÉ Sport understands that players will not engage with media at this weekend's games, with some managers expected to support the stance.

GPA CEO Tom Parsons said on Friday that the players' group has been in negotiations with the GAA since before Christmas on a charter for this year.

"In 2020 and 2021 the GPA accepted a reduction in provisions around travel expenses, gear and footwear while the GAA's financial situation was uncertain," his note to members said.

"The GPA agreed to do this in good faith with the GAA on the basis that a return to normality would see a reinstatement of the 2019 charter provisions at a minimum," added Parsons in his communication to players.

"The GPA is extremely disappointed that the GAA's position at the start of 2022 was to continue with the cost saving mechanisms, ie players to receive a reduced mileage rate of 50c and to continue to cap players to be only be permitted to claim expenses for three sessions a week, resulting in all other sessions being at the cost of the player."