FAI welcome UEFA funding

THE FAI have welcomed UEFA’s decision to award €1.5 million in development money for the game in Ireland.

The funding, which was announced in Budapest yesterday, comes in response to an application by the FAI, and will go towards implementation of the Association’s ambitious Technical Development Plan, a five-year programme for the development of the game at all levels.

Welcoming UEFA’s approval of the money, FAI chief executive John Delaney said: “The overall investment in developing the game at home will amount to €10m in 2006 and with non-qualification for the World Cup this year, receiving the UEFA contribution is particularly welcome.”

Vice chairman of UEFA’s Hat Trick Investment Programme Geoff Thompson commented: “In the case of the FAI, the Hat Trick funding will play a key role in assisting the Association implement what is a very impressive, detailed and ambitious plan.”

In Biel this evening, the Republic of Ireland women’s senior team face Switzerland in a World Cup qualifier, with manager Noel King expecting a tough game.

“Our side is still in the development stage of women’s international football so to get a win would be our biggest achievement ever,” he said.

Meanwhile, a limited number of complimentary tickets for local schools and schoolboy/girl clubs are still available for the Elite Phase of the U-17 European Championships which takes place in Dublin next week.

Sean McCaffrey’s Republic of Ireland will play Romania, Israel and Serbia and Montenegro over the course of the week.

The full fixture list reads: Serbia and Montenegro v Israel, Carlisle Grounds, 2.30pm and Republic of Ireland v Romania, Dalymount Park, 7pm (Monday, March 27); Serbia and Montenegro v Romania, Belfield Park, 2.30pm and Israel v Republic of Ireland, Richmond Park, 7pm (Wednesday, March 29); Republic of Ireland v Serbia and Montenegro, Tolka Park, 7pm and Romania v Israel, Carlisle Grounds, 7pm (Friday March 31).

For further information contact 01-7037500.