Claim: Criticism of Mick McCarthy in the media became overwhelming, such that an independent investigation into the organisation's handling of the squad's preparation later commissioned by the FAI yielded an incriminating report, leading to general secretary Brendan Menton to resign.
Evidence: Criticism of McCarthy in the media became increasingly intense after a poor start to Ireland's qualifying campaign for Euro 2004. An independent inquiry into the organisation's handling of the squad's preparation later commissioned by the FAI created a damning report, leading to general secretary Brendan Menton tendering his resignation.