THE FOOTBALL Association of Ireland (FAI) have received a €6 million a year funding boost from the government.
The deal lasts until the end of 2027 and provides a significant financial boost to the debt-laden association.
This arrangement is dependent on 16 conditions to ensure the FAI continues to implement governance reform.
It is the second Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) involving the two parties.
Previously, following the FAI’s financial collapse in 2019, the government and the association agreed on an MOU amounting to €30.8 million for the period 2020-2023, which came with a list of 163 recommendations and conditions.
A statement this evening added: “The Government recognises that the FAI’s finances remain in a difficult position and will continue as such for a number of years until their hosting of Euro 2028. This should have a positive impact on their finances. In light of this, the Government has agreed to provide continued enhanced funding to the organisation.
“During the lifetime of the previous MOU, the FAI also received significant financial backing by the Government, with over €67.4 million in public funding provided to the FAI through various funding streams.”
It is understood that an additional once-off payment of €1 million will also be provided for several areas, including “grassroots and underage football, women’s football, safeguarding and referees’ development”.
In addition, between 2020 and 2024, €71 million was awarded to football-specific projects (excluding multi-sports projects) under the Community Sport Facilities Fund and €52.4 million was awarded to football-specific projects (excluding multi-sport projects) under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund.
The FAI board said in a statement this evening that they “welcome” this latest initiative.
They don’t deserve it. Where’s the proof they’ll use it correctly?
@Conor Lynott: JD is gone!!!!
@Conor Lynott: The Fai is more than just the guys at the top. There are ordinary employees as well as thousands of volunteers. Not to mention the hundreds of thousands of members at all levels.
I agree that the organisation needs to be accountable but to say that the organisation doesn’t deserve it it is nonsense.
@Conor Lynott: All the kids playing soccer? All the local clubs in towns and villages across the country?
@Conor Lynott: I’m with Connor on this. NO more funding CORRUPT organisations FAI and RTE.
@Tom O’ Donnell: funny. the local pitch and club in my town got their funding from the national lottery. not a penny from the FAI. id disband the whole organization.
@Niall English: Then what organisation would your local club be part of and affiliated to?
@Tom O’ Donnell: let them play for the dubs instead and play gaa much more better all round
@Conor Lynott: give over…look at amount of kids that play football….its needed
@Alan Moloney: ah ok
@Niall English: very silly comment Niall, who’s going to run the new football association if you scrap the existing one, you?
I hope other sporting associations get the same… Ones that have proved they can spend the money wisely
@astnasquare: Like who??
Is this more or less than the greyhound industry gets?
@ecrowley ecrowley: how many employed in greyhound industry?
@Ollie Fitzpatrick: About 50, I dunno. But they probably still get more than the FAI.
@ecrowley ecrowley: Agree with you there 100%. All govs treat them like royalty!!
That money