The Republic of Ireland men’s national team has a new sponsor after a long search from the FAI.
Telecommunications company Sky is to become the primary partner of the senior team until the end of 2028.
Sky has also extended its association with the women’s national team, which began in 2021.
The men’s team had been without a sponsor since 2020.
The Boys in Green have their first match of 2024 against Belgium in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday. It will be interim head coach John O’Shea’s first game in charge.
The Manchester United legend will also take charge of the friendly against Switzerland on Tuesday, also in Dublin.
The FAI has indicated a permanent manager will be appointed in April, but suffered another blow on Tuesday as top target Lee Carsley ruled himself out of the running.
Sky Ireland chief executive JD Buckley said: “Over the past two and a half years, we have enjoyed a fantastic partnership with our Women’s National Team. We are thrilled and proud to announce the extension of that partnership and our brand-new Primary Partnership with the Men’s National Team.
“In recent years, we have seen unprecedented growth in women’s football in Ireland with multiple milestones passed by our Women’s National Team. Attendance records have been broken, television viewing figures have increased, the team played at the Aviva Stadium for the first time in front of nearly 38,000 fans and, of course, they achieved World Cup qualification for the first time ever.
“From day-one of our Women’s National Team partnership, our key ambition has been to give them a platform to inspire younger generations to play the game, stay in the game and support the game. As Primary Partner across both teams for the next four years, we now have the opportunity to build on what we have achieved, support our national teams and work with the FAI to ensure future opportunities for young players.”
FAI chief executive Jonathan Hill said: “Sky has been a fantastic partner to the FAI for a number of years. Their groundbreaking partnership with our Women’s National Team has been a great success and they have helped to drive phenomenal growth in women and girl’s football in Ireland.
“We are now delighted they have decided to extend this support to our Men’s National Team, which recognises the exciting place the team finds itself in, ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign, the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, of course, Ireland hosting UEFA EURO 2028. We are privileged to have Sky with us on that journey.
“Sky is clearly synonymous with sport and with football. It is a great brand and business in its own right, and the team at Sky are committed to working with us to proactively promote both of our senior teams over the coming years, so they are a perfect partner for us as an Association.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
