Jack Anderson: My plan to redraw the GAA's football calendar

What follows is a proposal under which every team is given (a) the chance to play for the Sam Maguire (through the provinces); (b) the opportunity to win three trophies (provincial, league and championship); and (c) a minimum of 12 competitive games annually

As of now, 2022’s football championship will be the current provincial championship structures with “back door” qualifiers, the Tailteann Cup, and knockout quarter-finals. Picture: Diarmuid Greene / Sportsfile

Tue, 16 Nov, 2021 - 07:00

Jack Anderson

Jack Anderson is a professor of sports law and global expert in governance, and regulation. He advises sporting bodies and contributes widely to public debate – as well as being a Limerick hurling supporter.

As the winter approaches, a key agenda item for the GAA is how it might restructure its senior inter-county football championships. At a special congress on 23 October, a proposal — flipping the provinces to spring and having a league-championship in the summer – obtained a majority but not the necessary one of 60%.

As of now, 2022’s football championship will be the current provincial championship structures with “back door” qualifiers, the Tailteann Cup, and knockout quarter-finals.