THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland’s debt has risen to over €51.2 million, according to the figures in their most recent accounts.
As reported in several of today’s papers, Fifa’s €5 million payout following the infamous Thierry Henry handball in the 2010 World Cup playoff between Ireland and France has also been acknowledged in a cover letter accompanying the figures, which has been circulated to delegates prior to next month’s FAI AGM.
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The disconcerting figures for 2014 — an increase of over €1 million for the year ending 2013 – come despite the association reportedly receiving a debt write down of almost €12 million last year.
However, there was good news in relation to turnover, which increased by 4% to €38m. This improvement was aided by €10 million per annum guaranteed by UEFA’s new centralised television, as well as an increase in sponsorship income to €8 million.
Ireland’s qualifying prospects for the 2016 European Championships, which took a blow following the draw to Scotland earlier this month, now appear more important than ever, in order for the association to offset the current debt with the substantial increase in funds that qualification would inevitably provide.
The FAI have continually expressed hope that they will be debt free by 2020.
In a letter sent to delegates, the organisation say they are expecting 2015 to be a “stronger financial year,” given the income set to be accumulated from home games against Poland, England, Scotland and Germany, compared with only one competitive home match (vs Gibraltar) and four friendly international matches (vs Serbia, Turkey, Oman and USA) at home in 2014.
The 2014 financial commentary added that the past year has been “very important for the development of the game,” with initiatives including:
National Player Development Plan for underage football
Launch of the SSE Airtricity National U17 League
Development of the FAI National Academy on the National Sports Campus
Roll out of improvements to the Emerging Talent Programme
Successful joint bid with DCC and Government for UEFA EURO 2020 at Aviva Stadium
2015 – 2020 Strategic Plan public and stakeholder consultation
SSE Airtricity League public and stakeholder consultation
Consultation and creation of the Women’s Football Development Plan 2015- 2020
Agreement with UEFA on 2018 – 2022 centralised TV rights
Continued work with DCC and Government on the redevelopment of Dalymount Park
FAI's debt increases to over €51 million, according to latest accounts
Updated at 11.24
THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION of Ireland’s debt has risen to over €51.2 million, according to the figures in their most recent accounts.
As reported in several of today’s papers, Fifa’s €5 million payout following the infamous Thierry Henry handball in the 2010 World Cup playoff between Ireland and France has also been acknowledged in a cover letter accompanying the figures, which has been circulated to delegates prior to next month’s FAI AGM.
The disconcerting figures for 2014 — an increase of over €1 million for the year ending 2013 – come despite the association reportedly receiving a debt write down of almost €12 million last year.
However, there was good news in relation to turnover, which increased by 4% to €38m. This improvement was aided by €10 million per annum guaranteed by UEFA’s new centralised television, as well as an increase in sponsorship income to €8 million.
Ireland’s qualifying prospects for the 2016 European Championships, which took a blow following the draw to Scotland earlier this month, now appear more important than ever, in order for the association to offset the current debt with the substantial increase in funds that qualification would inevitably provide.
The FAI have continually expressed hope that they will be debt free by 2020.
In a letter sent to delegates, the organisation say they are expecting 2015 to be a “stronger financial year,” given the income set to be accumulated from home games against Poland, England, Scotland and Germany, compared with only one competitive home match (vs Gibraltar) and four friendly international matches (vs Serbia, Turkey, Oman and USA) at home in 2014.
The 2014 financial commentary added that the past year has been “very important for the development of the game,” with initiatives including:
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Euro 2016 Qualifiers FAI John Delaney latest accounts problems Ireland Republic Scotland €50 million