Last rites applied to FAI’s summer soccer masterplan

The mood music from Abbotstown seemed to change once John Martin became director of football, succeeding the man associated with pushing the concept, Marc Canham. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

The FAI have finally ditched their summer soccer crusade, removing the initial ‘key priority’ from their strategy up to 2029.

Their plan to align all strands of the game operating the traditional al September to May calendar with the League of Ireland season was met with resistance with grassroots leagues and clubs.

An uprising emerged, primarily outlining concerns about clashing with GAA, but moreover seeking freedom of choice at local level.

The mood music from Abbotstown seemed to change once John Martin became director of football, succeeding the man associated with pushing the concept, Marc Canham.

An initial climbdown last year of offering a two-year exemption has been abandoned by the FAI board.

All national competitions, including the FAI Junior and Intermediate Cups, will revert to the season format applying in 80% of Uefa’s 55 members.

Presented as an update to further ‘boost the development of Irish football’, the FAI stated: “As part of this next phase, the association has confirmed an updated approach to competition calendars.

“Following the strategic planning process, the aligned calendar has been reprioritised and will not be considered a deliverable within the Football Pathways Plan or the FAI's current 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, enabling the FAI to focus its resources on the priorities that will deliver the greatest benefit for Irish football over the next three years.

“The FAI remains committed to improving football pathways and the long-term development of the game, and the consultation on aligned calendar may be revisited as part of the next strategic planning process.

“Leagues will continue to have the flexibility to choose the season structure that best reflects their local circumstances, while the FAI Men's U17 Cup, FAI Youth Cup, FAI Intermediate Cup and FAI Junior Cup will be played on a winter-season schedule.” 

It added: “These updates were approved by the FAI Board following an ongoing review of competition calendars and continued engagement with stakeholders across Irish football, and will be reflected in the regulations.”