FAI hopeful new deal with the state will be finalised before general election

Minister Byrne said that what "the FAI does on academies, hopefully with Government support, it has to be a model that works for the long-term".

NEW DEAL: The previous pact between the FAI and the state expired earlier this year. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile

The FAI’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) successor deal with the Government is to be finalised before the general election, with reform of underage leagues a feature.

A four-year deal was brokered in early 2020 to rescue the association from likely examinership, involving enhanced funding in return for sweeping governance reforms.