FAI votes to adopt an aligned football calendar in a landmark decision

The FAI General Assembly has decided to adopt a unified calendar following a vote at this evening’s meeting in Dublin on Thursday night.

Delegates approved a rule change that will see all levels of the sport transition to a calendar-year schedule by 2028.

Currently, the majority of grassroots leagues are played between August and May, but with significant fragmentation.

There are 72 leagues across all levels of the game in the Republic of Ireland, with 68pc of them playing a winter season (August to May) and 32pc playing a calendar season. The country is an outlier in Europe as it is the only UEFA member that does not have an aligned football calendar.

Under the new plan, players aged five to 12 will move to a January-to-December schedule starting in 2026, alongside FAI national competitions. Those aged 13 to 16 will follow in 2027, with all remaining youth and adult leagues making the switch in 2028. Of the 132 votes cast, 74 were in favour, while 56 opposed the change.

This development forms a key component of the FAI’s Football Pathways Plan, spearheaded by Chief Football Officer Marc Canham.

Last February the FAI attempted to allay fears with the growing concerns over the future of football in Donegal as they clarified that they have no intention of forcing leagues to reschedule their playing season but rather reschedule the period when registration for the sport commences. 

Commenting on the outcome on Thursday night, FAI President Paul Cooke remarked: “This is a really significant day for Irish football as we come together to improve the game for every player, coach, volunteer, supporter and affiliate. The FAI Board and staff will now take time to digest tonight’s meeting and the positive result.

“We welcome this decision and look forward to activating the phased implementation of the aligned football calendar. We take on board and respect all the views expressed both for and against the resolution here this evening. On behalf of the board, I want to thank all those who worked on the Aligned Football Calendar to get us to this stage and also all who contributed to the debate over the last year.”

Chief Football Officer Marc Canham also expressed his thoughts saying: “Tonight’s vote is a green light for progress, but the hard work starts here for all of us.

“We acknowledge all the views expressed, both at the meeting tonight and at our engagements all across the country in recent times, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders over the next four years to bring the Aligned Football Calendar into effect by 2028 for the benefit of all who participate in Irish football and most importantly for current and future generations of players at all levels.

"Tonight’s vote is a vote for change and a vote for progress and a result Irish football can be proud of across our game.”