Airtricity League clubs vote to stay with FAI

The 22 clubs of the Airtricity League have voted to renew their relationship with the Football Association of Ireland in 2011.

The Airtricity League is currently under the jurisdiction of the FAI and the current deal runs until the end of the 2011 season.

In a statement released on Monday, the FAI said: The Football Association of Ireland announced that all 22 Airtricity League clubs have now completed a vote on whether they wish to renew the merger agreement with the FAI when it expires post 2011.

‘The vote, which was carried unanimously by all participating clubs, was in favour of remaining under the stewardship of the FAI.

‘The unanimous yes vote is a strong endorsement from clubs of the improvements in standards, governance and funding that have occurred since the FAI took over the running of the Airtricity League in 2007.

‘Since the merger in 2007, the following changes have been implemented: €5m annual spend on running the Airtricity League, successful implementation of the 65% salary cost protocol, 123% increase in prize funding for clubs, assisted spend of €8.14m on facilities through the Sports Capital Grants scheme and weekly prime time television programme secured for the Airtricity League by the FAI on RTÉ.

‘These changes have also assisted clubs to improve the standard of play, with the Airtricity League’s European coefficient rising from 40th four years ago to 29th today. This rise in coefficient guarantees increased prize funding for Airtricity League clubs through UEFA European competitions.

‘Following the clubs’ vote, it is now up to the Association to consult with its affiliates from other sections of the game in relation to the course of action the Association takes post 2011.’