FAI Support UEFA Stance On Super League

Tuesday, 20 April 2021 13:30

FAI President Gerry McAnaney describes it as an elitist competition.

The F-A-I has come out publicly in support of UEFA as they oppose the 12-club breakaway 'Super League'.

F-A-I President Gerry McAnaney has informed UEFA the association stands with them against the Super League calling it an "elitist competition".

The association has also backed UEFA's proposed new format for European club competitions from 2024 which were announced yesterday.

Statement in Full from the FAI:

The Football Association of Ireland has again assured UEFA of its support for the proposed new format for European club competitions from 2024 onwards and has backed the governing body’s opposition to the so-called Super League proposal.

FAI Chief Executive Jonathan Hill first wrote to UEFA’s Director of National Associations Zoran Lakovic in February and then again at the beginning of April confirming the FAI’s backing for UEFA’s proposals regarding all their club competitions from 2024 onwards. These proposals have now been approved by the UEFA Executive Committee.

CEO Hill remarked:

“I said to Zoran then and I repeat now that whilst we recognise this may cause some local challenges for certain Federations in terms of scheduling, we believe that the now agreed approach is essential for the future of UEFA, the wider European football pyramid structure and the future financial health of all European constituents including Associations such as the FAI who will continue to benefit from that pyramid and from key UEFA solidarity payments which have been maintained during difficult recent times for football.”

The FAI has also supported UEFA’s opposition to the proposed European Super League. Speaking from the UEFA Congress in Switzerland, FAI President Gerry McAnaney said:

“I have confirmed to UEFA that we stand with them in their stance against this Super League proposal. The integrity of the game is at stake here and such an elitist competition cannot be considered.”