Brendan Menton, chief executive of the Football Association of Ireland, has reacted favourably to news that the organisation will earn at least £2.4million from Ireland's three first round Group matches at next Summer's World Cup finals in Japan and Korea. FIFA's executive committee announced yesterday that payments will increase on a sliding scale depending on how far participating teams progress in the tournament.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio 1's Morning Ireland, Menton confirmed the news was welcomed by the FAI who had been calculating the huge cost of taking a squad of players and officials to the finals since qualifying through the play-offs last month. Menton admitted: "It is on a sliding scale, but I think the amount per match for the second stages doesn't go up that much. There are very considerable expenses involved, and although FIFA are picking up some of the bill once the tournament starts, there will be very significant costs to the association. I think, while it is a significant amount of money, the expenses of participating in Japan are going to be quite high."
Menton also revealed Merrion Square officials have been working tirelessly to organise a sponsorship package for the tournament and beyond. He continued: "We know that there is a major commercial interest in sponsoring the Football Association and the Irish team and we are hoping to maximise revenue from that source."
Menton also confirmed that discussions with the Players' Pool were close to conclusion with both sides confident of a favourable outcome. He added: "While we still have to reach a final agreement with the players on the Players' Pool, I am hopeful that a very equitable agreement will be reached with the players."
Filed by Shane Murray
