FAI requires close to a billion euros to transform football infrastructure

7 Mins Read

June 14, 2023

In its strategic analysis and vision for the next 15 years, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) details that it requires EUR 863m to modernise facilities and standards in Ireland. FAI CEO Jonathan Hill and chairman Roy Barrett presented the vision earlier today.

By: Newsdesk

The FAI concedes that stadia and training facilities in the country have fallen behind those elsewhere in Europe. Under-investment is much to blame.

Hill and Barrett presented the case for what they called game-changing improvements for the sport at grassroots, League of Ireland and international level.

According to the vision, the FAI will need EUR 426 million for infrastructure at grassroots level, EUR 390 million for the infrastructure of its leagues and an additional EUR 47 million for its national teams.

The FAI has asked the Irish Government to make money available, with 20% of it being funded through ‘local project partners,’ including local governments.

The money would cater for the installation of new pitches, upgrades to existing pitches, new and upgraded clubhouses as well as further multi-sport facilities with a community focus.

An audit revealed that 20% of club’s spend on pitch maintenance is less than EUR 1,000 per year.

Interestingly, the report points out that of the 40 best stadiums in Ireland, just three host football matches.

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