Euro 2008 - Draw is good news for FAI finances

WHILE the mouth-watering prospect of the Republic facing England at Croke Park has sadly failed to materialise, the draw for the qualifying rounds of the 2008 European Football Championship are no less attractive.

Little wonder the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and new manager Steve Staunton were rubbing their hands in delight after Ireland drew Germany and the Czech Republic in what promises to be the most lucrative campaign in the association’s history.

With four of the six home games likely to be played in Dublin’s showpiece GAA stadium, the FAI could reap a whopping €30 million during the campaign.