The FAI faces the reality of reduced financial support and a decline in the national team's ranking as Ireland's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup diminish.
There is lingering hope of third-seeded Ireland being one of 16 European qualifiers at the 2026 World Cup in North America. But wishful thinking within the FAI has made way for a potent dose of reality. Gone are the days when Denis O’Brien covered half the €1 million salary Martin O’Neill received to reach Euro 2016. And before O’Neill, the €1.8 million understood to be shelled out for Giovanni Trapattoni’s expertise. O’Brien is said to have contributed.
Also gone is the perception that Ireland are a middle-tier football nation. The senior men’s team was ranked 34th when Stephen Kenny took over in 2020. In under four years, they have plummeted to 60th on the Fifa lis
Ireland World Cup Qualification FAI Financial Support Ranking
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
IDA Ireland Urges Republic of Ireland to Cut Electricity Prices and Bridge Energy GapDevelopment agency IDA Ireland has warned energy regulators that the Republic of Ireland needs to cut electricity prices and bridge the gap between demand and supply to attract investment and create jobs. The agency's chief executive, Michael Lohan, emphasizes the importance of successfully bridging the gap.
Read more »
Scouting Ireland faces governance crisis over child-protection concernsInternal divisions within Scouting Ireland and allegations of current child-protection shortcomings made by two board members have thrown the youth organisation into a fresh governance crisis.
Read more »
Mario Zagallo, the First Person to Win FIFA World Cup as Player and Coach, Dies at 92Mario Zagallo, the only surviving member of the Brazil team that won the 1958 World Cup, has passed away at the age of 92. He played a crucial role in Brazil's rise to prominence in global football and was instrumental in four of Brazil's five World Cup victories.
Read more »
The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year AwardsSome 12 sports and 15 women will be recognised at The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year Awards in The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin on Friday. This is the annual event that brings together the cream of Irish women’s sport.
Read more »
Ireland Ranks High in International MetricsIreland is perceived as the third happiest and third most generous country, and the 18th best regarded country in the world. It has the highest quality of life in Europe and a low divorce rate. Ireland also excels in areas like literacy rate, life expectancy, and tertiary education.
Read more »