Business of Sport: TV audience figures a shot in the arm for FAI and Stephen Kenny

Ireland players applaud the fans after the draw with Portugal at the Aviva Stadium. Picture: INPHO/James Crombie

The FAI’s search for a €2.5m sponsor for the men’s national side has been boosted by new figures which show more people watched Ireland’s Aviva Stadium draw with Portugal than the rugby team’s win over the All Blacks.

New data reveals that Stephen Kenny’s Republic of Ireland pulled in a peak television audience of 906,000 viewers for the November 11 fixture with Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, with rugby a close second with 872k tuning in.