What qualification means

A FINANCIAL WINDFALL FORTHE FAI

THE FAI’s aim to be debt-free by 2020 will be accelerated by revenues flowing from Euro 2012. €8m is the minimum pay-off for each finalist, with another million awarded per win in the group stages. A draw is worth €500,000. Third in the group earns €1m. So a repeat of Ireland’s performance at Euro 88 (one win, one draw and third place) would add another €2.5m to the FAI coffers, making a total of €10.5m.

Losing quarter-finalists pocket €2m, while the beaten semi-finalists collect €3m. The winners are guaranteed €7.5m, €3m more than the runners-up. That’s a total pot of €196m, up by €12m since Euro 2008. In addition, the FAI will enjoy increased revenue from qualification bonus clauses in sponsorship deals, and Euro 2012 fever will boost consumer spending.