Radical proposals from the GPA to overhaul Football Championships

The players’ body are proposing to introduce a 32-team All-Ireland series of eight groups with seedings to be determined by National League standings.

Thu, 09 Jul, 2015 - 16:23

By Kevin Murphy

GPA chiefs are currently finalising proposals that would radically overhaul the football Championships.

The players’ body are proposing to introduce a 32-team All-Ireland series of eight groups with seedings to be determined by National League standings.

Inter-county players are expected to give feedback on the wide-ranging document obtained by the Irish Examiner and breakingnews.ie

Debate has increased within the wider GAA membership on the Championship structure - with growing calls for a new format to the race for Sam Maguire.

Controversially, the document suggests running the provincial Championships as standalone competitions during April, which would have no bearing on the All-Ireland series.

Interestingly, the proposal claims that revenues would be increased - with an open draw deciding the groups and each team playing three games.

The new format would result in games being run off on a round-robin basis with bottom-ranked teams (Division 4) having home advantage over top rated (Division 1) sides.

There would also be a facility for extra-time, during which the winner would be determined by a ‘golden score’ if the teams were still level.

Croke Park have been adamant that any new competition must incorporate the existing provincial structures so a lively debate on the issue can be expected.

GPA boss Dessie Farrell has recently admitted that reform of the Football Championship is essential and that the GPA will be bringing proposals to Central Council.

Some of the other key points include abolishing pre-season competitions and discontinuing the National League semi-finals and finals. League winners will be determined by top-ranked teams in each division.

The thorny issue of club fixtures is also covered, while it proposes moving the start of the National League to early February.

Specific weekends for club fixtures are also included and the GPA will process the feedback from its members before a vote will be taken on the issue.