FAI call on fans to put football on agenda ahead of elections

Irish fans are being urged to put football firmly on the political agenda ahead of the local and European elections in June.

The FAI is urging people to give canvassing politicians their thoughts on the lack of investment in the game at all levels.

And the association has thrown in a few handy stats to put to the council and EU hopefuls.

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Funding is desperately needed – from grassroots to the senior professional game – to improve infrastructure around the country.

There are over 225,000 registered players and more than 80,000 volunteers working in the game right now.

The women’s game has experienced a growth of 27 percent since 2022, when the Girls in Green secured qualification for their first ever World Cup.

However, only 33 percent of clubs have women’s toilet facilities and just 23 percent of clubs have women’s shower facilities.

The FAI is currently seeking a government injection of €517m over 15 years, as part of an €863m facility investment strategy.

In an email to fans, the Abbotstown association wrote: “It is important that our voice as a community is heard.

“Local representatives will be looking for your vote at the ballot box and we need to make sure football facility investment is a priority at all levels of government including councils.

“We’re asking you to contact your local representative looking for your vote to make football their priority now.”

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