League of Ireland figures intend holding Leo Varadkar to his word on Euro 2028 promises.
The Taoiseach insists the league will benefit from Ireland co-hosting the European Championships.
After the Ireland-UK bid was formally submitted to UEFA on Wednesday, Varadkar said the Euros was a chance for Ireland to “host an event that benefits all.”
He tweeted: “It’s also an opportunity to ensure long-lasting benefits for League of Ireland, local and youth football.”
The FAI have been accused of pursuing a vanity project by pumping an unspecified amount of cash into the bid with England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Particularly so when League of Ireland grounds are crying out for urgent facelifts, along with grassroots clubs.
But Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley and his St Pat’s counterpart Tim Clancy feel a successful bid will be good for the League of Ireland.
Bradley wants the Government to open the purse strings if the economy benefits from a predicted €251 million windfall for co-hosting.
“You would hope they are the knockbacks we’re going to get,” said the Hoops manager yesterday.
“We’ve got to stop pointing fingers and understand this is positive for Irish football. It can help all involved, domestically and internationally.
“The league is being spoken about in political circles, and has been since Covid, which is really important. It’s not ‘us and them’ - it can’t be like that.
“It was like that for a long time in this country, but it has to be everyone together.
“I like that we have the bid and hopefully the knock-ons are really really positive for the league.”
The FAI are conducting a nationwide facilities audit which will be presented to the Government, in the hope of securing financial support.
And Bradley added: “Attendances are up but everyone knows what’s needed to improve the league.
“There’s been a lot more noise outside of football circles about it, which is always healthy.”
Saints boss Clancy echoed that message and wants the Government to step in and help facilitate ground improvements.
Clancy said: “The attendances are unbelievable but outside of a couple of grounds, facilities need to improve.
“That's not just for the FAI to sort out - it's for the clubs and the Government when you look at funding that goes into other sports in the country.
“It's important that we get our fair share of support as well from Government funding.”
Clancy continued: “The best stadium in the country for soccer purposes is Tallaght. It's council owned and we need more of them.
“If we had another five or six around the country it would be unbelievable for the league. It's a byproduct of the neglectful funding from the Government over the years.
“Clubs themselves could have been better, and the governing body. They can all come together, but it has to be a huge push from the Government.
“The whole package of the league is improving massively and when we improve the facilities it will be even better.”
If grounds are redeveloped with Government assistance, then Bradley feels TV companies will need the League of Ireland more than it needs them.
Virgin Media dipped its toe in the live TV market a week ago when screening the Bohs-Rovers derby from Dalymount Park.
The Hoops boss added: “There’s no point wasting energy and time (debating whether the league receives enough TV exposure).
“What we can affect is the product on and off the pitch and the byproduct will be TV fighting to show the games rather than the other way around.
“The days of giving out or moaning about TV…it’s not effective. Long-term, I’ve no doubt the view of the league to broadcasters will change.”
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