Betting levy and welfare fund a good wager for football

This week I’m going to play the game that shouldn’t be played and wonder why Irish football doesn’t get funding in similar ways to certain other sports.

We know the need for substantial and well-structured funding has never been more critical for Irish football.

Horse and greyhound racing and the GAA receive certain types of funding which I believe Irish football is equally justified in requesting.

One potential source of funding for Irish football is the 2% betting levy.

The FAI commissioned a report which stated that income from betting tax is distributed towards horse and greyhound racing only, with an 80/20 split that has raised many eyebrows.

Since the commissioned report, the government have stated that the money is not being ringfenced for these sports, that it goes back into the exchequer.

However, the horse and greyhound industry receive near enough the same in funding that the betting levy receives – I said this last week – but make of that what you will.

Considering that football bets now constitute around 30% of all bets made in Ireland, it seems only fair that the sport receives a more equitable share of the betting levy.

The FAI has previously called for an increase in the betting levy, suggesting that a portion of these funds be redirected to support football.

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Raising the levy by even one percent and distributing the funds more evenly among sports could create a significant shift in the funding landscape.

This approach would not only support football but also ensure that the horse and greyhound industries maintain their current funding levels.

The betting levy, as it currently is in Ireland, is low in comparison to other European countries.

Investment of this size must be directed towards improving facilities, upgrading training bases, and modernising stadiums.

The current state of our football facilities is inadequate, as evidenced by Derry City last season needing to play a crucial home European qualifying game at Tallaght Stadium, 230km away from the Brandywell.

If Derry, St Pat’s or Shels get to the third qualifying round in Europe this summer, their home fixtures will potentially be played in Tallaght, our only club football ground that meets the standards required.

Upgrading local stadiums to meet international standards would not only enhance the matchday experience for fans but it would also stimulate economic growth in those areas.

Another potential source of funding would be for Irish football to receive something similar to what the GPA receive annually.

The Gaelic Players Association (GPA) received approximately €5 million in government funding in 2023, more than 50% of its total turnover. A similar model could benefit Irish football.

The GPA funding is ring-fenced, an agreement citing eligibility rules and how much spending should be allocated to players under the Sport Ireland Inter County Player Support Scheme is what ensures it is allocated appropriately to player welfare, expenses, medical issues, and other critical areas.

A comparable fund for Irish football, the ‘Ireland Elite Player Support Scheme’ or whatever fancy name of the government’s choosing, could provide the much-needed boost to elevate the sport to new heights.

The importance of the GPA funding is undeniable. It plays a crucial role in supporting inter-county GAA players, providing them with the resources needed to excel.

Irish football deserves a similar level of support.

An ‘Ireland Elite Player Support Scheme’ could prioritise funding for facilities, ensuring that young and professional players have access to top-notch training environments, could address critical areas like player welfare and education and provide the funds needed to pay coaches to provide more contact hours for our young players.

The powers that be in Irish football can ensure that the sport receives the investment it needs to flourish by advocating for a structured, ring-fenced fund.

Investment in facilities, coaching, and player support is crucial for the country’s biggest participation sport.

The FAI, clubs and any stakeholders of the game must push for a structured, ring-fenced fund that guarantees the money goes to the right places, ensuring a bright future for Irish football.

I will leave you with a quote from an outgoing TD and newly elected MEP, when Labour TD Aodhán Ó Ríordáin put forward a motion calling for investment in domestic football.

“The one thing that governments want and what Ministers want is good governance and data… if you have that, there is loads of money out there.”