Ireland fans urged by FAI chiefs ahead of England clash to make football funding a General Election issue
Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are expected by many political observers to call a November election.
FAI President Paul Cooke and interim CEO David Courell have used the match programme for Saturday’s Nations League clash with England to urge fans to make football funding an election issue ahead of a likely November visit to the polls.
The Association’s hopes of landing a €517 million from the Government as part of an ambitious €863 million investment to modernise footballing infrastructure in this country.
Sports Minister Thomas Byrne has appeared in recent weeks to have dashed their hopes of securing what they want.
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He is thought to have angered people within Abbotstown with a post-Olympics interview, when he made a confusing remark regarding Brexit and academies.
“I have said we want to see an academy structure built up, but I see lately they are blaming Brexit on the academy structure, on not having academies, because they now have the responsibility to train players,” he said.
“Quite frankly when I hear this stuff I kind of wonder, because the Football Association of Ireland has always had the responsibility to train players, but they weren’t doing it.
“So now they realise, to be fair to them, that they need to do it, they need government support, I’ve said I want to do that for academies, but it won’t be to the extent that they’ve sought, which again would bring them to a level vastly higher than other sports.”
On Friday he softened his tone in another radio interview, saying: “What I can tell you is that first of all on the capital side, the amount of money that is going into football from this capital side in terms of developing facilities, which includes League of Ireland stadiums, which includes grassroots pitches, which includes some academy projects as well, some league facilities, the amount of money that football is going to get, I seriously believe, is going to be unprecedented in terms of their facilities.
“And that’s not directly to the FAI generally, although some projects it might be, but generally speaking that’s to clubs, that’s to local associations or local leagues.”
If Cooke and Courell have their way, Byrne and his Government colleagues - and members of the opposition parties - will be left in no doubt regarding the need for serious investment in football when they canvas for votes.
Cooke wrote: “If you see any of the politicians here to witness history in the making, please remind them that football - Ireland’s biggest participation sport - is calling for real support now from Government, local and national, to ensure we develop the future generations who can deliver those breath holding moments.
“No other sport can deliver on the world stage like football. Our historic games against England proved that in the past and we make no apologies for asking for Government funds to ensure more historic days in the future.
“Our young players, many of whom will be watching tonight, deserve to have the best facilities, the best academies, the best opportunities to realise their potential, whatever their level.
“The Irish football community, as taxpayers, deserve Government support for our sport. Don’t be afraid to say that in the coming months when we ask you to put Irish football first.”
And Courell added: “For us to have more occasions like today, we need to continue developing the game.
“The Association has outlined ambitious plans to improve the foundations for the game through Facilities investment and Pathways development.
“I am both encouraged and grateful that Government (and other political parties) see the value in investing in these initiatives - with record facilities capital awards to be announced in the coming weeks and a clear commitment to invest in our academies.
“These investments will not just increase participation or kickstart a self-sustaining football industry, but more importantly will ensure the next generation of Irish players are able to compete and qualify for major tournaments on a regular basis. Affording us the opportunity to see the unique ability football has to bring our country together.”
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