Roger Hampel
Sky has extended its partnership with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), taking on the mantle as the Primary Partner for both the Republic of Ireland Women’s and Men’s National Teams. This extended alliance, spanning until the end of 2028, underscores a mutual commitment to fostering growth and excellence in Irish football at all levels.
Since initiating its pioneering partnership with the Women’s National Team two and a half years ago, Sky has been instrumental in propelling women’s football in Ireland to unprecedented heights. This collaboration has catalyzed a series of historic milestones, from shattered attendance records and soaring TV viewership figures to the Women’s National Team’s first-ever World Cup qualification and their debut at the Aviva Stadium before nearly 38,000 fans.
The extension of this partnership and its expansion to include the Men’s National Team heralds a new chapter of comprehensive support through four major tournament campaigns: the UEFA Women’s EURO in 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and UEFA EURO in 2028. This commitment from Sky not only celebrates the recent achievements of Irish football but also lays the groundwork for future triumphs on the international stage.
JD Buckley, CEO of Sky Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the journey ahead, emphasizing the role of this partnership in amplifying the achievements of Irish football, particularly the women’s game, and fostering a culture that encourages youth participation and support for the sport.
Jonathan Hill, FAI CEO, echoed these sentiments, lauding Sky's impactful contribution to the growth of women’s and girl’s football in Ireland and expressing excitement over the expanded partnership. This collaboration, according to Hill, aligns perfectly with the FAI’s strategic vision, particularly in light of the upcoming UEFA Nations League campaign, the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifications, and Ireland's role as a host nation for UEFA EURO 2028.
Eileen Gleeson, Head Coach of the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team, and John O’Shea, Interim Head Coach of the Men’s National Team, both hailed Sky's unparalleled support. They emphasized the transformative impact of Sky’s partnership on the visibility and development of women’s football in Ireland and voiced optimism for the positive influence this extended support will bring to the men’s team as well.
As Ireland's national teams gear up for their upcoming fixtures, with the men’s team facing Belgium and Switzerland and the women’s team embarking on their EURO 2025 Qualifying campaign against France and England, the extended partnership with Sky promises not only to elevate the profile of Irish football but also to inspire a new generation of players and fans alike.
Source: FAI
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