Documents obtained reveal minutes from the last meeting between the Department of Sport and the FAI on January 31st, regarding funding matters.

Among the attendees was Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne, who informed the FAI that substantial funding cuts would occur if they failed to meet the 40% gender diversity target—a goal they promised to achieve soon.

During the discussion of the FAI’s progress report on reforms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Mr. Byrne emphasized that the FAI would need to submit a detailed financial request to the department.

He made it clear that any future funding would be conditional and that certain elements of the MoU, such as ensuring a 50/50 split of independent directors on the board, would be required. He also stressed that no guarantees could be made regarding the level of financial support.

This MoU was signed in January 2020 by former FAI chairman Roy Barrett and then-Minister for Sport Shane Ross to secure a government bailout of €30 million.

Jonathan Hill, the FAI’s CEO at the time (who resigned in April), provided updates on commercial and financial developments, noting that a new sponsor for the men’s team was expected soon.

On the subject of Euro 2028, Mr. Hill highlighted that the tournament’s impact would be significant, though the financial benefit would depend on whether Ireland qualifies. The UK and Ireland are set to co-host the tournament, with the Aviva Stadium among the selected venues.

Casement Park in Belfast was also discussed during the meeting, with Mr. Byrne stressing its importance to the government for hosting matches.

However, it was recently announced that the UK government would not fund Casement Park’s redevelopment in time for Euro 2028.

When reviewing the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF), the FAI emphasized the need for better playing facilities. Mr. Byrne, along with Cian Ó Lionáin, Assistant Secretary for the Department of Sport, underscored the importance of municipal and multisport facilities.

In the recently announced Community Sport Facilities Fund grants, soccer ranked third, receiving 371 grants totalling €41.4 million.