FAI National League

Last updated

FAI National League
FAI National League logo 2025.jpg
Founded2024
First season2026
Country Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland
Number of clubs20
10 (North)
10 (South)
Level on pyramid3
Promotion to League of Ireland First Division
Domestic cup FAI Cup
League cup League of Ireland Cup

The FAI National League is a proposed association football league in the Republic of Ireland, [1] scheduled to commence in August 2026, intended to act as a third tier of the League of Ireland. It was announced in December 2024 by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), [2] who invited teams to apply to enter the competition. Intended to consist of 20 teams split into North and South divisions, as of December 2024 the FAI had reportedly received almost 70 applications from interested clubs. [3] [4] [5] [6]

Contents

History

In December 2024, the FAI formally invited clubs to express interest in a new third-tier “National League” due to commence in August 2026, with the aim of bridging the gap between regional amateur football and the League of Ireland First Division. [2] [4] The proposed league is intended to feature promotion to the First Division and relegation into existing provincial competitions, creating a national pyramid for the first time since the A Championship folded in 2011. [7]

The FAI proposed to select 20 clubs, divided into regional North and South divisions, based on criteria such as facilities, governance, and financial stability. [7] Some clubs interested include reserve teams of League of Ireland clubs, established school teams and ambitious non-league sides, some considering joint bids in order to meet the required standards. [4]

On 19 December 2025, the FAI confirmed 15 founding clubs for the new FAI National League, despite expectations that a 20 team line-up would be announced. The league is scheduled to begin with a shortened introductory season in Autumn 2026 and is intended to operate as the top tier of the men’s grassroots game, providing a formal pathway to the League of Ireland. The 15 confirmed clubs were selected following an assessment process that began with 67 expressions of interest and was designed to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness. The announced clubs represent all four provinces and ten counties, with five places remaining unfilled. The FAI stated that the league will commence with a truncated inaugural season, with promotion and relegation arrangements to be introduced from the 2027 season. From that point, the winners of the North and South divisions will compete in a play-off final to determine the FAI National League champions. Subject to licensing approval, the champions will then face the bottom-placed club in the League of Ireland First Division in a promotion and relegation play-off. The FAI also confirmed that a final application window remains open for clubs seeking to fill the remaining five places, with a deadline of 31 January 2026. [8]

Teams

Confirmed clubs

On 19 December 2025, the FAI named the 15 clubs expected to play in the competition's inaugural year. They included: [9]

Stadiums and locations

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Dublin
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Letterkenny
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Galway
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Dublin clubs
Home Farm
Lucan United
St. Francis F.C.
TU Dublin F.C.
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Locations of National League teams


Dublin map.png
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Lucan United
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Home Farm
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St. Francis F.C.
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TU Dublin F.C.
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Locations of National League teams in Dublin City

References

  1. ↑ "National League". www.fai.ie.
  2. 1 2 "FAI welcomes Expressions of Interest for a new National League". fai.ie. Retrieved 5 January 2025.
  3. ↑ "FAI set to create new league to bridge gap to LOI". 12 December 2024 – via www.rte.ie.
  4. 1 2 3 "FAI ask for expressions of interest from clubs interested in joining new League of Ireland third tier". Irish Independent. 12 December 2024.
  5. ↑ Donovan, Shane (12 December 2024). "FAI launch National League creating 'clear pathway' to League of Ireland". Irish Examiner.
  6. ↑ "67 Clubs Interested In Following The Kerry FC Journey". 5 March 2025.
  7. 1 2 "FAI outline details of new league, invite expressions of interest". The 42. 12 December 2024. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  8. ↑ "FAI National League to feature at least 15 clubs". RTÉ Sport . 19 December 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
  9. ↑ "15 clubs confirmed for new FAI National League". fai.ie (Press release). 19 December 2025. Retrieved 19 December 2025.
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