FAI still work to do before State grants academy funding

“The FAI have an ask of €8m and we’ll be happy to support that," said Thomas Byrne. 

Thomas Byrne and League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon, left, during the UEFA Nations League match between Ireland and Finland. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

The FAI still has “work to do” before the Government accepts their €8m-per-annum plea for Academy funding, according to sports minister Thomas Byrne.

Premier Sports hosted a pre-election panel debate ahead of Friday’s polling day, with the topic of grants for national league clubs prominent.

Since Brexit stopped players leaving Ireland until they reach 18, the traditional flow to UK clubs has halted, placing the onus on a domestic system unfit for purpose.

The FAI’s academy manager Will Clarke in April quantified the investment required to fund the 24 club academies at €10m – more than double the current spend.

“We haven’t rejected the proposal,” said Fianna Fáil TD from Meath East, Byrne, about why the expected funding announcement hasn’t materialised.

“The FAI’s fully-fleshed out proposal came to us in September, when we were running up to the budget and general election.

“It wasn’t the first iteration; there was a lot of discussion before then. To be fair to the department and the FAI, a lot of work was done previously. Fianna Fáil wants to fund academies – we’ve said that in our manifesto.

“The FAI have an ask of €8m and we’ll be happy to support that. There’s still a bit to work to do on the proposal, to ensure it works for football, the taxpayer and our participation levels. It’s something we want to do, is necessary and is badly needed.” 

Mr Byrne rejected claims by Labour councillor, election candidate Darragh Moriarty, that the blame for this chronic underinvestment lay with the State.

“It was neglected for many years and is not the fault of the Government. A skill drain from this country was allowed to happen because people in the previous FAI regime were not watching this.

“The current FAI regime has recognised it and we will fund football academies – full stop.” 

Uefa’s increased solidarity grants will help men’s Premier Division clubs. The standard payout under the enhanced TV deal sees the standard €65,000 per club mushroom to €350,000 for the top-flight but reduces to €45,000 for the other 10 clubs in the second tier.