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(s) FAI Cup
League cup(s) 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 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 proposes 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]

Teams

Confirmed applicants

Connacht

Dublin

Rest of Leinster

Munster

Ulster

Rumoured applicants

Connacht

Dublin

Rest of Leinster

Munster

Ulster

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. 1 2 3 4 Hooper, Dave (5 May 2025). "Monaghan United out of National League running". Northern Sound. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  9. ↑ Tynan, Stuart (7 March 2025). "Mayo FC express interest in joining League of Ireland third tier". The Western People . Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  10. ↑ "No Roscommon interest in new FAI national league". Shannonside.ie. Retrieved 23 June 2025.
  11. ↑ McDonnell, Daniel (22 February 2025). "FAI reviews its approach to tackling its €40m debt burden in attempt to alleviate short-term financial pressure". Irish Independent . Retrieved 26 June 2025.
  12. 1 2 O'Riordan, Neil (5 March 2025). "Home Farm eyes League of Ireland return with DCU partnership in bold new bid". The Irish Sun . Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  13. ↑ Mackey, Éanna (22 February 2025). "St Francis express interest in joining League of Ireland third tier". Extra Time. Retrieved 24 June 2025.
  14. ↑ St. Patrick's C.Y.F.C. [@pats_cyfc] (26 February 2025). "@FAIreland @LSLLeague @DublinPortCo" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. ↑ Ballymun Utd FC [@TheMun244] (6 March 2025). "We would like to inform all our supporters and sponsors that the club have submitted an expression of interest to the FAI in joining the third tier of the National League. A major step on the road to taking part in football at the highest level. We will inform you of our progress" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  16. ↑ Shorthose, Harry (7 March 2025). "CK Utd confirm application for third tier". Carlow Nationalist. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  17. ↑ Nolan, Daragh (5 June 2025). "Newbridge Town FC welcoming all in bid for League of Ireland in Kildare". Kildare Now.
  18. ↑ Lynch, Fergal (4 July 2025). "Trim Celtic move towards League of Ireland status". Meath Chronicle.
  19. ↑ @PeakeVillaFC (23 February 2025). "We have applied, we are based in the heart of Tipperary Thurles Town" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  20. ↑ "Limerick FC Confirm Application For Third Tier ,But Who are Pro Football Enterprise?". League of Ireland Talk. 28 June 2025. Retrieved 29 June 2025.
  21. ↑ "Buncrana Hearts express interest to join LOI Third Tier". Donegal News. 6 March 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  22. 1 2 3 McNulty, Chris (31 January 2025). "Donegal clubs considering National League applications" . Retrieved 24 June 2025.
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