The commercial fallout of Stephen Kenny controversy, youthful promise, and a long-term vision

The FAI is having to explain to partners who signed contracts that covered the Fifa World Cup 2022 campaign that qualification for the Qatar finals was not a priority and that there was a longer-term focus on Euro 2024

SMILES BETTER: An elated Stephen Kenny after a spirited Ireland performance at home to Serbia yielded a 1-1 draw. However, his comments in the pre-match press conference where he said that his focus has always been on qualifying for 2024 Euros rather than next year’s World Cup came as a surprise to many. Picture: Niall Carson/PA

The FAI is assessing the commercial fallout of Stephen Kenny’s revelation that next year’s World Cup tournament was never the priority for his team.

The association is having to explain to partners who signed contracts that covered the Fifa World Cup 2022 campaign that qualification for the Qatar finals was not a priority and that there was a longer-term focus on Euro 2024.