Clubs vote unanimously for FAI merger
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The FAI have confirmed that all 22 Airtricity League clubs have voted in favour of renewing the associations merger agreement after it expires at the end of next season.
“The Football Association of Ireland today (May 31) 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,” read this morning’s press release.
“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.”
The vote comes as a strong support of unity within the league, despite the protracted saga between Limerick and the association in recent weeks. The Blues have also voted in favour of the merger’s continuation, however.
The FAI have more than doubled prize money since coming on board four years ago, while they have pumped €5m per annum into running the league, the fruits of which are evident from the league’s UEFA co-efficient increasing.
The statement continued: “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.”
“The Football Association of Ireland today (May 31) 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,” read this morning’s press release.
“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.”
The vote comes as a strong support of unity within the league, despite the protracted saga between Limerick and the association in recent weeks. The Blues have also voted in favour of the merger’s continuation, however.
The FAI have more than doubled prize money since coming on board four years ago, while they have pumped €5m per annum into running the league, the fruits of which are evident from the league’s UEFA co-efficient increasing.
The statement continued: “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.”
About Alan Smith
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