FAI launch National League creating 'clear pathway' to League of Ireland

The FAI are seeking 20 teams for two divisions, North and South, in one National League.

Director of Football Marc Canham and FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott.

The FAI have launched plans for a third tier within the Irish football pyramid. 

The association are currently seeking to recruit 20 teams for a new National League that will act as a "clear pathway" between grassroots and professional football.

The league - which will consist 20 teams in two divisions, North and South, in one National League - is set to commence with a shorter season in August 2026 for alignment with the 2027 League of Ireland calendar.

The teams in the National League will play against other teams in their respective divisions first to qualify for playoffs, where top teams from North and South will compete for a chance to be promoted to the League of Ireland First Division. 

Conversely, teams from the First Division may face relegation to the National League. 

"This is the first stage of the creation of a new FAI National League and is an exciting moment for Irish football as we progress another of our 11 key actions aligned with our Football Pathways Plan," FAI CEO Marc Canham said.
"The new FAI National League provides a clear pathway and progression from the Amateur game to the League of Ireland and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop our Irish football pyramid now and in the future."

Grassroots Director Ger McDermott added: "I'd like to thank the working group who've dedicated a lot of hard work and effort behind the scenes to get to where we are today with this announcement. 

"It's a first step on the development of a pyramid for Irish football and we will be working closely with all provincial associations and all existing leagues who will form a core part of the other tiers. 

"We look to engaging with all interested clubs and entities in our new FAI National League."

The deadline for clubs to express their interest in joining the new third tier is February 21, 2025.