€10m shot in the arm for FAI and future of Irish soccer

THE Football Association of Ireland and sportswear company Umbro have agreed a sponsorship deal worth a minimum of €10 million over the next six years.

FAI interim chief executive John Delaney yesterday hailed the deal as "a terrific and immediate boost for football, as well as helping us to develop the long-term future of the game in Ireland".

The contract involves a guaranteed cash income of €7m, as well as €3m in kit for all the international teams.