THE FAI’S membership have voted through summer football that will see all leagues in Ireland be played in a calendar year, starting from 2026.
It was a split vote at the General Assembly with 74 votes in favour and 56 against to see through the change by a margin of 57 percent to 43 percent.
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The vote was viewed as the cornerstone of the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan that was launched last February.
FAI President Paul Cooke and Chief Football Officer Marc Canham spoke in favour of the switch arguing it was necessary for the future.
It was also highlighted the number of games postponed over the winter months, though there were dissenting voices from the floor asking for more details.
The change will see all competitions for five-year-olds to 12-year-old’s, as well as all FAI National competitions switch to January to December schedules in 2026.
Competitions for 13-year-olds to 16-year-olds change in 2027 with all other competitions to move in 2028.
Presently, some leagues – such as in Mayo and Clare – already play seasons during the calendar year after former FAI High Performance Director Ruud Dokter proposed it a decade ago.
FAI President Cooke said: “This is a really significant day for Irish football as we come together to improve the game for every player, coach, volunteer, supporter and affiliate.
“The FAI Board and staff will now take time to digest tonight’s meeting and the positive result. We welcome this decision and look forward to activating the phased implementation of the aligned football calendar.
“We take on board and respect all the views expressed both for and against the resolution here this evening.
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank all those who worked on the Aligned Football Calendar to get us to this stage and also all who contributed to the debate over the last year.”
FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham added: “This vote is a green light for progress but the hard work starts here for all of us.
“We acknowledge all the views expressed, both at the meeting tonight and at our engagements all across the country in recent times.
“And we look forward to working with all stakeholders over the next four years to bring the Aligned Football Calendar into effect by 2028 for the benefit of all who participate in Irish football and most importantly for current and future generations of players at all levels.
“The vote is a vote for change and a vote for progress and a result Irish football can be proud of across our game.