McClean insists lack of Government funding makes international qualification an uphill battle 

Existing Government handouts to the FAI, including €5.8m of core annual funding, are stalled due to concerns uncovered that chief executive Jonathan Hill’s remuneration breached state limits.

20 November 2023; James McClean during a Republic of Ireland press conference.

James McClean insists the lack of Government funding for the League of Ireland makes tournament qualification an uphill struggle for Ireland.

Another failed quest to reach next year’s Euros extends the tournament drought to at least a decade up to the 2026 World Cup but more likely attainable is the 2026 Euros, even via hosting rights.