A coherent football pyramid and the expansion of the women's game are among the key elements of the FAI's strategy for the next three years.
The document was launched on Monday evening, with an online presentation headed up by CEO, Jonathan Hill.
Strategy 2022-2025 came together, the FAI said, following widespread consultation with figures at all levels of Irish football. 44 different groups were canvassed, with 5,709 survey results received by the association.
Among its 61 key performance indicators for the next three years, the plan wants to see the following:
- Commence consultation on the formation of an Irish football pyramid by Q4, 2022 with an agreed and transformed football pyramid structure in place by 2025
- A third tier in the League of Ireland by 2023 and a second tier in the Women’s National League by 2025
- A top 30 UEFA league co-efficient for the League of Ireland by 2025
- 750 clubs nationwide offering football for women and girls by 2025
- 300 female UEFA coaching licence holders by 2025
- 40 per cent female representation across FAI Board, General Assembly and Committees by end of 2023
- Qualification for UEFA Euro 2024
- Qualification for FIFA Women’s World Cup and/or UEFA Women’s Euro 2025
- Qualification for a minimum of two final tournaments per competition cycle at competitive underage level
- Consistent top 30 UEFA ranking for all our senior international teams
- Consistent top 20 UEFA ranking for all our underage international teams
- Turnover to exceed €50m by end of 2025 with deferred income below €10m and ring-fenced cash reserves of at least €6m
While lots of the KPIs appear - on the surface - to be achievable, others like the UEFA coefficient aim are out of reach, according to some commentators.
FAI president Gerry McAnaney said, "As President I can promise that this strategy will be a living document that will provide a blueprint for the development of the game.
"The strategy includes key performance indicators and targets which we will use to track our progress. We will report to members regularly on progress and encourage members to hold the Board and Executive to account for the achievement of targets.
"While the Board must lead on the implementation of the strategy, the ambitious goals that we have set will only be achieved if all parts of the game recognise the opportunity that the strategy presents and work together for the betterment of the game overall.
"I look forward to engaging with our members in the coming months as we roll out this strategy together.”
Hill wants to see the end of vested interests and fiefdoms within, and surrounding, the FAI.
"We must seek to work together, without division or rancour or historical prejudice, to deliver to our full potential in every club, every community, every village, town and city in Ireland," said the CEO.
"We must give the Irish people a game to be proud of. As we continue our Centenary celebrations of the past 100 years so we should look to the next four years, the next decade and beyond with optimism and determination.”
The full document can be read here.
