|
The agreement is a significant boost for the FAI and its investment plan for the development of the game, principally through the Association’s Technical Development Plan.
The key aspects of the deal include:
|
· Total minimum sponsorship value €10,000,000
· Guaranteed cash income - minimum €7,000,000
· €3,000,000 in supplied kit to all international teams
· Guaranteed annual income more than doubles from an average €430,000 (existing) to more than €1,000,000 p.a.
· Increased bonuses on offer for European and World Cup qualification
· Potential for up to €3,100,000 extra cash depending on European and World Cup senior side success
· Investment of €450,000 into Kennedy Cup
· Technical Development Plan gets immediate €500,000 allocation
· Under-age internationals programme funding increased by €200,000
The FAI’s Chief Executive Officer, John Delaney said the deal provided a really significant boost for the game. “Securing a €10 million deal brings immediate and lasting benefits to the development of the next generation of people who want to play football in Ireland”, he said.
“In order to increase participation, we need continuity of funding from all our key income sources — this Umbro deal provides a very stable platform over a long period which will help us provide the football community with the support they need”, he added.
Mr Courtenay described the agreement as one which should have a positive impact not just on the side of the game which the general public sees through the international teams, but across all levels and throughout the country. “Agreeing a deal up to 2010 also demonstrates Umbro’s real commitment to football in Ireland”, he said.
The first major benefit of the deal is the allocation of €500,000 in year one to go towards funding of the Association’s Technical Development Plan in 2005. This allocation will enable the 2005 Technical Development Plan targets to be realised on schedule.
A further boost for the grass roots of the game comes from Umbro’s decision to invest €450,000 in the prestigious Kennedy Cup, the country’s prime competition.
The sponsorship agreement also enables further investment into the Association’s under-age internationals programme where the FAI already runs almost 100 internationals a year. The increased funding of €200,000 enables the Association to provide €1.7 million for under-age internationals in 2005.