Football Association of Ireland looking forward to another century of football

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has completed its first century and is well placed to successfully start its second, FAI President Gerry McAnaney said on Monday after meeting with UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin at the European house of football in Nyon.

"Our Association’s centenary marked a period of significant progress on our journey of transformation to become a modern, progressive, fit-for-purpose organisation," said Mr McAnaney.

Strong foundations

During his meeting with the UEFA President, Mr McAnaney reported that, in 2021, FAI took significant steps toward stabilising its finances by increasing income, cutting costs and drawing on national government grants to support football programmes as well as the COVID-19 relief fund. He also described a range of FAI governance reforms.

"It was a pleasure to welcome FAI President Gerry McAnaney and CEO Jonathan Hill to UEFA Headquarters," said Mr Čeferin, "It was great to hear first-hand about the reforms that should help Irish football's growth in years to come. As committed stakeholders, we look forward to supporting the FAI in their work with the Irish Government to improve facilities for all players and clubs throughout Ireland."

Mr Hill added: "Irish football at all levels has emerged stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic with renewed interest in our international teams, increased attendances at League of Ireland and Women’s National League games and tremendous vibrancy among grassroots’ leagues and clubs."

‘We Are One’

The FAI’s long-term vision for developing the national game is set out in its 2022-2025 strategy called 'We Are One' and launched earlier this year. Based on wide-ranging input from across the Irish game – including players, fans, coaches, administrators, staff, parents and volunteers – the strategy aims to improve facilities, strengthen grassroots football, development the game for women and girls and set out a new future for the League of Ireland.

"Football is the biggest sport in Ireland," said Mr Hill, "To deliver this strategy, the game needs to come together like never before."