Innovative deal with players

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) on Monday hailed an “innovative deal for Irish sport” after an agreement was reached that Irish or Irish footballers would receive equal pay for international players.

As part of the deal, the men’s team agreed to cut match taxes with the FA that matched that contribution to increase players’ wages.

The Football Association of Ireland said: “The Football Association of Ireland is proud to announce that players representing men’s and women’s international teams in the Republic of Ireland will receive the same match tax on international service with immediate effect in an innovative deal for Irish sport.” in the current situation.

England, Brazil, Australia, Norway and New Zealand are among the other countries that have publicly pledged to pay male and female players the same amount to earn the maximum.

“This is a wonderful day for Irish football,” said Irish women’s captain Katie McCabe. “We have taken a huge step forward with this agreement and shown the world what can be achieved through the Federation, giving international and female players the same opportunity.”

Everton defender Seamus Coleman said the Irish men’s team were delighted to play their part in ensuring a deal could be reached. “We as players are delighted to do everything we can to ensure our international players are treated fairly and equitably, and we remain fully committed to doing everything we can to make this happen together,” Coleman said.

The FA said equal pay would start immediately with international players in September, and that an “equalization approach” regarding tournament qualification bonuses had also been agreed.