merrion street

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Mr. Shane Ross, TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, Mr. Brendan Griffin, TD, today hosted a meeting at their Department Offices on Leeson Lane with League of Ireland club and player representatives in advance of the Ministers’ meeting with UEFA later this month.

Minister Ross said:

I believe it was vital that we met with the League of Ireland clubs and players today and to hear their views and perspectives ahead of our meeting with UEFA later this month.

It was stated at the meeting that the League is the ‘beating heart’ of soccer, and its development must be placed at the centre of the future of football in Ireland. I cannot disagree with this. The contribution of the League of Ireland to communities, including the economic and employment benefits it provides can no longer be underestimated.

I know that in the past players have felt they had little or no voice in how the game here developed and I agree that the old elitist attitude of ignoring those who matter most to this sport must change immediately. The old culture of FAI officials at the front of the plane while our players languished in steerage is over.  The League of Ireland is a crucial stakeholder in Irish Football and a vibrant League of Ireland is essential to the future of Irish football.  The contributions we have heard today are long overdue, very much welcomed and will of course be conveyed to UEFA.

Minister Griffin said:

I would like to thank all the representatives from the League of Ireland clubs for meeting with myself and Minister Ross this afternoon. The League of Ireland is a huge part of so many people’s lives and a vibrant, competitive league is essential for the continued development of Irish soccer. League of Ireland clubs have shown that they can nurture talented Irish players to reach the very highest level, representing their country in senior international competition. We have had a very worthwhile discussion today with the clubs and players and we will take their views to UEFA when we meet them later this month.