You would think that a sport with the highest participation rates in the country – by some distance might I add – would be on the receiving end of significant funding, allowing it to grow and prosper with government support.
In Ireland, football is that sport – albeit minus the funding. Earlier this week, Sports Minister Thomas Byrne gave us an insight into how underfunded football currently is in Ireland, something that doesn’t look likely to change in the future.
Let’s try and make sense of it all without throwing the toys out of the pram – here goes:
At present, the FAI receives €2.9m per annum from Sport Ireland through the NGB funding. Additionally, it receives a further €2.9m per year from the Memorandum of Understanding – which is basically an emergency scheme due to John Delaney’s overspending, which was due to end in 2023. The FAI’s request to extend this to 2024 has not yet been approved.
So in theory, €5.8m of state funding for a sport with associations, clubs, players, coaches and fans all over the country. Let’s see how that measures up to other sports…
Horse racing receives €70m annually, every year without fail. Greyhound racing receives €20m annually, without even looking for it. Another payment that the Government fails to mention is the extra €5m that the GAA receives to pay players’ expenses for inter-county teams.
Now let me be clear, I do not begrudge any of the above. In fact, the more money that is given to any sport in Ireland, the better. The purpose of drawing attention to these amounts is merely to highlight the lack of funding to football in this country, which is affecting every boy and girl that participates daily.
The most alarming thing about it all, and this is something that would never be admitted by the Government; the Government has never really supported the football industry in Ireland, or even realised how beneficial a football industry would be for our country.
Another thing that wouldn’t be shouted about from the Dáil Éireann, is that across Europe, Ireland spend the least on recreational and sporting services (as per 2021 and 2022 figures). In comparison, Iceland spent eight times that of Ireland. Out of the 30 European countries, a total of €60.3 billion (the equivalent of 0.8% of all general government expenditure) was spent on recreational and sporting services. Guess where Ireland finished in that league – dead last, rock bottom.
As Ireland fans, we shout on the MNT and WNT, praying for them to qualify for major tournaments, suffering when they fail to do so, and then ultimately, doing a post-mortem on the state of our national teams and whinging about how we should be doing better against so-called ‘smaller’ nations.
Little does most of the footballing fanbase know just what scraps are being thrown to football to develop these teams and players. All this when we have a huge surplus in the Government right now.
It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out.
Let’s look at the Football Pathways Plan. Having read it, I felt proud that the FAI had put together a plan to integrate our football system. However, one thing that was brushed over and arguably the most important piece of any industry, constitution, organization, business or football club – the people. You can have the greatest business idea in the world, the best football pathways plan, the best football team in the country but if you don’t have the right people, or the understanding of how to attract the right people, then all of these will fail.
The biggest thing that the League of Ireland has going for it right now is Mark Scanlon. The work he has done since taking up the role of League of Ireland Director, has been incredible. From growing the sponsorship fourfold, improving the aesthetics of the league through its online content, increasing attendances, improving the relationship with the government – this is the kind of people we need in Irish football.
The FAI is looking for an additional €34m funding per annum to kick-start the football industry, which will allow the huge number of fans to come and watch League of Ireland in safe, modern stadiums. It will also give the next generation, including those coming through the League’s academies, the chance to qualify for a Euros or World Cup again.
Let me be clear – the FAI is not looking for this money for the FAI. It is for clubs and their youth. This is something very different to what football in this country has ever tried to do. Add to this the amount of money it will save the Healthcare system if we get boys and girls running around, participating in the greatest sport in the world. Honestly, I am not the brightest person in the room, and maybe sometimes a little biased, but it makes so much sense to invest now.
If it’s not now, when will it be?
Unpredictable
In what is shaping up to be an exciting end to the season, the thing we can be certain of is there will be more ups and downs before a trophy is handed out.
Drogheda’s win over Sligo Rovers was one that shocked the league, with Kevin Doherty’s side running out 7-0 winners. Yes, SEVEN.
During the season, Doherty’s post-game interviews almost became recurring – “We played well, but we just didn’t take our chances”. Week after week, you would feel that he was perhaps saying this to keep his job secure. Then, in two games, they hit 16 goals, including seven against the league’s in-form team. If that doesn’t give you a boost in your relegation battle, what will? The result leaves them one point above Dundalk, and with the Lilywhites having a game in hand, the relegation battle is as exciting as the top of the league.
A few weeks ago, I spoke about the scenario of Derry City going ahead of Shelbourne in the league. How would Shelbourne respond to playing catch up? With their style, players and tactics, can they chase games or push on in games to win? On Friday, Damien Duff’s side travel to Dundalk, who themselves will be looking to bounce back from hitting the bottom of the league.
The other question is whether Derry become the ruthless animal that smells blood, and run clear at the top. The biggest test of this will be when they travel to Eamon Deacy Park on Friday night, to face the most stubborn team in the league – Galway United. John Caulfield’s side will sit in, absorb pressure for long periods and try and hit you with a sucker punch – remember the Brandywell.
Who would have ever thought that ‘the biggest game in LOI’ – Bohemians vs. Shamrock Rovers – would have such little meaning on Sunday?