Among the 61 players St Joseph's Boys have supplied to Bray Wanderers over a 15-year period include Eamon Zayed

BRAY WANDERERS face a threat to their future existence as one of their creditors, St Joseph's Boys, has requested the FAI to deny them a licence for next season.

The prominent schoolboys' club, a long-standing partner of the Seagulls, have taken action over a rising debt they claim has reached €41,000. Among the 61 players Joeys have supplied to their senior neighbours over a 15-year period are Éamon Zayed, Jay O'Shea and Kieran Marty Waters.

What was a harmonious accord has now turned soured amid financial trouble at the struggling Premier Division club. The patience of their current squad has been tested throughout the season due to delays in payment of wages.

St Joseph's Boys insist that mediation hosted by League Director Fran Gavin has so far failed to resolve their issues, leading to this week's formal request that could result in Bray failing to receive a licence. Licences are only issued when creditors are paid or an arrangement exists to settle the debt.

The alleged debt comprises of €21,000 from UEFA's solidarity compensation fund, along with €20,000 relating to a fundraising game between Bray Wanderers and a Manchester United XI at the Carlisle Grounds July 20.

"This game formed part of the compensation package negotiated by St Josephs Boys with Manchester United for the transfer of Sam Byrne in 2011," read a statement issued by St Joseph's Boys. "Bray have yet to come back with a concrete proposal as to how they propose to address the situation."

Efforts to contact Bray Wanderers for comment last night were unsuccessful.

Irish Independent