Eircom Hang Up On FAI As They Get Ready To Go Mobile

Sportspeak has learned that the FAI's longest running premium sponsor has pulled the plug after a decade of partnership.Eircom has announced its decision to conclude its title sponsorship of the Irish soccer team from today. The telcommunications giant also own  mobile company Meteor & speculation is that their replacement will be another telecommunications company with both Meteor & 3 in the frame to become the associations' newest sponsors. The timing of the announcement is a shock in that it has come out of the blue, but those in the know say that relations have been strained between eircom & the FAI since the last renewal of their deal a couple of years ago. Over the last few years the FAI have diversified their sponsorship opportunities which diluted Eircom's influence. 

Over the course of the last decade, eircom has invested some €20m in supporting the national teams, the League of Ireland and other soccer programmes.  The recent friendly between Ireland and Algeria marked eircom’s 100^th international cap as sponsor of the senior team.

This announcement is being made to clarify eircom’s position and leave the FAI free to pursue other sponsorship options in advance of the next qualification campaign for the 2012 European Championship which begins in the autumn.

Commenting on the decision, Paul Donovan, CEO eircom, said “2010 marked the eleventh year of eircom’s significant involvement in Irish soccer at all levels. During that time, the Company has been proud to be associated with the growth of Irish soccer and the many highlights, from the 2002 World Cup to the 2010 World Cup qualification campaign.However, as eircom continues its own transformation programme, it is appropriate that the Company closes this current chapter of its sponsorship activities and moves in a different direction.We wish Irish soccer every success for the future and particularly in the upcoming 2012 European Championship qualifiers.”

John Delaney, CEO, FAI said “eircom have been loyal and good partners to Irish football over the last decade and we thank them for their support.  As the Company turns a new page in its development, we wish them well for the future”.

Bob "The Voice" McKenzie Twitter: @BobTheVoice About: