The FAI has made a written submission to the Minister for Communications, Mr Dermot Ahern, outlining why it is against the inclusion of Ireland’s qualifying soccer matches in a protected list of sports events for free-to-air television.
The FAI made the submission as Mr Ahern was attending a public forum in Dublin Castle following the Association's decision to sell their broadcasting rights for €7.5 million for home Irish soccer internationals to Sky Sports.
As the last chance to discuss the proposed list before being presented to the Cabinet then the European Commission, the meeting of just over 100 people was lacking the presence of the country’s three main sporting bodies; the FAI, GAA and IRFU.
A spokesperson for the FAI later reflected on the Association’s fears for the future of Irish football if the listing process goes ahead as proposed.
"It is imperative that the FAI continues to have access to TV rights revenues which will enable it to continue to invest on the next generation of Robbie Keanes and Damien Duffs."
The FAI suggests the removal of a competitive environment for TV right fees would also have a detrimental knock-on effect on the eircom League as broadcasters have little interest in the domestic game without the leverage of senior international matches.
The FAI pointed out that only four European Union member states have a list of sporting events, while only two have listed qualifying football matches. These type of matches are not listed in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland.
"To impose restrictions on TV rights fees would impose severe financial constraints on the development of the game at both a domestic and international level," said the spokesperson.
"On the whole eliminating competition from the market for broadcast rights will have repercussions for the development of the sports industry in Ireland."