€2 million allocated to clubs
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The 22 eircom League of Ireland clubs will receive €2million in direct contributions and subsidies from the FAI this season it was announced today.
Overall prize money for the Premier Division, First Division and League Cup competitions has risen 18 per cent from last season with the Premier Division winners set to receive €250,000 for winning the 2008 title.
With €260,000 also on offer for qualifying for the Champions League, €20,000 for making the Setanta Sports Cup and a €15,000 grant available towards a club promotion officer it means the winners of this season’s Premier Division will earn a record €545,000 and can expect more from their share of television revenues.
Speaking at the launch of the 2008 season at the IMI in Sandyford, Dublin, the Chairman of the FAI National League Executive Committee, Eamonn Naughton, said:
“The FAI’s total investment in the eircom League of Ireland this season will be €5million and €2million of that sum will go directly to the clubs in the form of prize-money, television payments, European participation grants, contributions to Club Promotions Officers and subsidies in relation to insurance and certain match day costs.
“Other money will be spent on a marketing campaign which will focus on radio and television while the intangible benefits of the FAI’s involvement include the administration of the League by Director Fran Gavin and his team, club licensing and access to FAI personnel for advice and help in areas such as facilities, marketing, sponsorship, communications and legal matters.”
The 2008 season will kick off on Friday, March 7, with the League’s newest club, Sporting Fingal, making their debut on March 8 when they face Longford Town.
