Denis O’Brien agrees deal to fund Irish management team

The FAI has confirmed that billionaire businessman Denis O’Brien is continuing to contribute to payment of the salaries of the Irish management team.

A handshake deal was agreed prior to the Republic’s arrival in France on a new deal with Martin O’Neill, Roy Keane and the rest of the coaching staff, with chief executive John Delaney adding yesterday: “Denis has been a great supporter of the FAI for many years, and will continue to contribute to the salaries of our senior management team with the Republic of Ireland squad for the 2018 Fifa World Cup campaign.”

The revelation was contained in an FAI statement announcing the completion of a debt- refinance programme with Bank of Ireland relating to the construction of the Aviva Stadium, and for which Denis O’Brien was also thanked by the association for his “advisory support” through Island Capital Ltd.

Denis O’Brien

According to the FAI, the refinance agreement reduces the association’s bank debt from €45m to €35m, which John Delaney hailed as “a positive outcome for Irish football”.

The FAI said further details of the finance deal will be disclosed to delegates at the association’s AGM in July.