Eircom League clubs to share €2m in prize money

The 22 eircom League of Ireland clubs will receive €2m in direct contributions and subsidies from the FAI this season, it was announced today.

Overall prize money for the Premier Division, First Division and League Cup competitions has risen 18% from last season, with the Premier Division winners set to receive €250,000 for winning the 2008 title.

With €260,000 also on offer for qualifying for the Champions League, €20,000 for making the Setanta Sports Cup and a €15,000 grant available towards a club promotion officer it means the winners of this season’s Premier Division will earn a record €545,000, and can expect more from their share of television revenues.

"The FAI’s total investment in the eircom League of Ireland this season will be €5m and €2m of that sum will go directly to the clubs in the form of prize money, television payments, European participation grants, contributions to club promotions officers and subsidies in relation to insurance and certain match day costs," said the chairman of the FAI National League Executive Committee, Eamonn Naughton.

"Other money will be spent on a marketing campaign which will focus on radio and television while the intangible benefits of the FAI’s involvement include the administration of the league by director Fran Gavin and his team, club licensing and access to FAI personnel for advice and help in areas such as facilities, marketing, sponsorship, communications and legal matters."

The 2008 season will kick off on Friday, March 7, with the league’s newest club, Sporting Fingal, making their debut on March 8 when they face Longford Town.