FAI announce creation of new National League with promotion to League of Ireland

"This is the first stage of the creation of a new FAI National League and is an exciting moment for Irish football."

The FAI have announced the creation of a new National League, with the aim of a greater connection between grassroots and professional football in Ireland.

They are set to launch the league - which will feature 20 teams and be split into North and South divisions - for a shorter season in 2026, to align with the 2027 League of Ireland season.

The new league will feature play-offs and the chance at promotion to the League of Ireland First Division, with teams from LOI dropping down if relegated.

The FAI are now actively looking for expressions of interest from clubs.

On their website it reads: "Clubs must express their interest by the 21st February 2025 to be considered for the League. The FAI will then review applications and meet with potential teams to share more information and answer any questions the club may have."

FAI Chief Football Officer Marc Canham said: "This is the first stage of the creation of a new FAI National League and is an exciting moment for Irish football as we progress another of our 11 key actions aligned with our Football Pathways Plan.

"The new FAI National League provides a clear pathway and progression from the Amateur game to the League of Ireland and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop our Irish football pyramid now and in the future."

FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott added: "I'd like to thank the working group who've dedicated a lot of hard work and effort behind the scenes to get to where we are today with this announcement.

"It's a first step on the development of a pyramid for Irish football and we will be working closely with all provincial associations and all existing leagues who will form a core part of the other tiers.

"We look to engaging with all interested clubs and entities in our new FAI National League."