Irish football Coverage

Irish football Live Scores and Updates

Stay updated with live scores, match highlights, and in-depth analysis from Irish football, Premier Division and beyond.

Insights into Irish football National Competitions

Explore detailed insights and updates from Irish football Premier Division , First Division, and other key national tournaments.

Organisation of Football in the Republic of Ireland

The organisation of football in the Republic of Ireland is based on a hierarchical league system, allowing clubs to ascend or descend based on their performance. This structure is divided into several tiers, ranging from professional to amateur football.

At the top of the hierarchy is the League of Ireland Premier Division, which is the highest level of Irish football. It comprises 10 professional clubs vying for the title of Irish champions. The bottom two teams in the standings at the end of the season are relegated to the League of Ireland First Division, which also includes 10 clubs. The top two teams from this division are promoted to the Premier Division, while the last-placed team is relegated to the League of Ireland U19 Division.

The League of Ireland U19 Division, the third tier, hosts youth teams, primarily semi-professional. The top-performing teams can be promoted to the First Division. Below this, the League of Ireland U17 Division operates on the same principle of promotion and relegation.

The Women's National League, the fifth tier of Irish football, is the top division of women's football in Ireland. It includes amateur clubs as well as reserve teams from professional outfits. Beyond the Women's National League, the system continues with regional and local divisions, highlighting the depth and richness of Irish football at all levels of competition.

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI)

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the official body overseeing football in Ireland. Established in 1921, it is responsible for organizing and developing football at all levels, from amateur football to professional competitions. The FAI also manages the national teams, including the men's, women's, and youth teams. Its role includes managing the rules of the game, promoting sportsmanship, and overseeing ethics in the sport.

Under the auspices of the FAI is the League of Ireland, which manages the men's and women's professional leagues. The FAI also organizes the FAI Cup, a competition open to all Irish clubs, from amateur to professional. In addition to competitions, the FAI places a strong emphasis on developing women's football, sports infrastructure, and training programs for players and coaches.