The Government of Ireland announced the 2026 budget on Tuesday, 7th October 2025. What does that mean for the League of Ireland? (LOI) In this article, we will fill you in on all you need to know about the annual budget and answer that very question.
How much FAI received:
The FAI received €3m in total in the 2026 budget. This year’s €3m will be focused on building on progress of LOI academies. As we know, there has been many rising stars in LOI academies over recent years, from the prolific Mason Melia to new Arsenal star and record breaking transfer fee youngster; Victor Ozhianvuna. The investment put into this budget promises to continue this steady progress and consolidate LOI academies to a point whereby promising young footballers can develop adequately in Ireland rather than needing to move abroad in pursuit of superior facilities. There is an understanding from LOI director Mark Scanlon that 81% of the €3m the FAI recieve from the government will go directly to 26 LOI academies. These academies include; Athlone Town, Bohemians, Bray Wanderers, CK United, Cork City, Cobh Ramblers, Derry City, Drogheda United, Dundalk, Finn Harps, Galway United, Kerry FC, Limerick FC, Longford Town, Shelbourne, Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic, Treaty United, UCD AFC, Waterford, Wexford, Klub Kildare, Mayo FC, DLR Waves (women), Peamount United (women). Notably, Carlow Kilkenny (CK) United, Klub Kildare and Mayo FC are all currently not apart of the two major LOI divisions (The Premier Division and the First Division). This perhaps gives us some insight into three potential sides who may end up as part of the new LOI “National League” projected for August 2026. Three areas without an LOI club currently who are perhaps drawing inspiration from the recent triumphs of three year old Kerry FC.
How the football budget compares with other sports:
Budget 2026 allocated €10.8 million in additional funding to Sport Ireland, a statutory authority established by the government to oversee, fund, and develop sports in Ireland, of which €2m will go towards National Governing Bodies such as the FAI, GAA and IRFU. The GAA will receive €250,000 in additional core funding and €733,000, including €1.6m to support intercounty players. The IRFU will also receive an extra €250,000 in core funding, along with €477,000 to support the building of high-performance pathways in the women’s game. Golf will recieve €500,000 total, while high-performance funding will receive a €1.5m contribution.
Conclusion:
The 2026 Budget’s focus on LOI academies is commendable and in the view of most LOI fans – the way forward. Some may argue that the LOI continues to be underfunded and that the government should do more to attract people away from the English Premier League and towards the domestic LOI. We want to hear your thoughts on this year’s budget, email us at Loitalkpod@gmail.com with your thoughts and we will discuss it on the next entry of the LOI Talk Podcast, which you can find on YouTube or Spotify.
Bibliography:
The Irish Times – FAI receives €3m in budget to build on progress of League of Ireland academies. By Gavin Cummiskey.