Soccer

Plans for All-Island soccer league kick-off

Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr
Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr Former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr

Football clubs on both sides of the border have been offered a million-pound deal by at least one broadcasting company, the Irish News can reveal.

Danske Bank Premiership clubs have been consulted about the proposed 'All-Island' league, and early soundings have been very positive.

A working group comprising former Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr and hi-tech businessman Kieran Lucid are the brains behind the project, amongst others.

The proposals would see clubs from Northern Ireland's top flight and the Airtricity League merge to form a new Premiership, with two regional second-tier divisions also on the table.

Funding would come from television broadcasting rights, major sponsors and possibly funding from central government both north and south of the border.

Initial fears that such a move would see both jurisdictions lose lucrative European slots, but, if clubs sign up the minimum clubs could win in prize money would equate to qualifying for Europe.

There is no threat to the identities and independence of both the Irish FA and the Football Association of Ireland, but a switch to a new summer season – most likely May to February – would have to be agreed across the board.

A separate company would be set up and ownership would rest with the participating clubs, according to successful businessman Lucid.

“Our focus is to present a proposal for the clubs to say yea or nay to”, said the respected Kerryman. “And to that end we have worked on a 123-page document to cover everything.

“We have real funding in place and have had a seven-figure deal offered to us by a broadcasting company. It was a verbal offer, but a sincere offer.

“We only began reaching out to broadcasters in the last six weeks, as we had to speak to the clubs first, obviously.

“I have been involved with the Boyne Cup, a cross-community tournament, for three years, and after that went well I spoke to clubs and chairmen about the possible viability of a cross border competition.

“I didn't speak to southern clubs until I spoke to clubs in the north, obviously there was a variance of opinion but I found southern clubs to be more resistant to the idea than northern clubs.

“Understandably, clubs have concerns about finance but the message that came through was that, if identities are not threatened it would improve standards of football on the island, they would consider it.

“What we are proposing is a company to be set up upon the lines of the English Premier League, duly licensed by both associations with clubs retaining their affiliations to their current associations.

“Both the Irish Cup and the FAI Cup would be retained, and the retention of the 8 European slots on the island – soon to be seven – would depend on discussions with UEFA.

“But to put matters in perspective, the team that would finish last in the proposed new league would earn money that be comparable to money earned by qualifying for Europe.”