Irish TD Supports Plan For All Ireland Premier League

A Fine Fail TD has publicised a document proposing an all Ireland premier league.

In a UK national paper on Sunday, Sports Marketing manager for Platinum One, Fintan Drury, outlined a 62 page plan for an All-Ireland Premier League in which ten clubs would compete for €4 million prize money in a structure similar to that in England and Wales.

The businessman, who is chairman of Paddy Power and a director of Anglo Irish Bank wants to remove the running of the domestic game at the highest level from the two football associations, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the Irish Football Association (IFA).

Fine Fail’s Chris Andrews said: "For too long now, soccer clubs in the Republic of Ireland have been hindered by a severe lack of cash. Soccer clubs in this country are not performing as well as they should or could be."

"Pointing to Shelbourne FC as an example, we can see the pitfalls of operating the current system. The proposal put forward by Fintan Drury is an excellent one which merits further support."

The league would run under an initial five-year licence granted by the two associations, who would be paid an agreed sum annually. The Drury plan suggests financing the league through sponsorship and television deals, and unlocking government grants for stadium development.

Both associations have given tepid reactions although The FAI was willing to hold discussions. Their northern counterparts have so far declined however, and the IFA wrote to Platinum One last month stating it did not want to meet because it was busy establishing an invitational league.

"It is important to ensure that everyone is on board. I would urge both the FAI and the IFA, in particular the IFA, to look favourably on this proposal." added Mr Andrews.

Earlier this month, the North’s IFA seemed to reject any hope for an amalgamated league when John Delaney, chief executive of the association told Mr Drury "I think the idea of an All-Ireland league finished on the June 13" after they had sent a letter rejecting any idea of an all Ireland league.

However, the popular support garnered for Mr Drury's new comprehensive plan is expected to make the IFA leader reassess the association’s stance on the matter.

(DW)