The Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) pursuit for a backer of the men’s national side, which lasted four years, has come to a successful conclusion, with Sky securing a contract. This agreement not only allows them to prolong their existing support for the Irish women’s team but also endows them with the title of principal partner of both the men and women’s national sides, extending a sponsorship which began with the women’s team in 2021.
Since 2020, with the termination of Three’s association, the Irish men’s team jersey has been devoid of a sponsor. Under the terms of this fresh agreement, which will be in place until 2028 ends, Sky pledges to bolster both teams over four key tournament campaigns, namely Women’s Euro 2025, 2026 Fifa World Cup, 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup, and Euro 2028.
The FAI’s chief executive, Jonathan Hill offered, “Sky has proven itself to be a tremendous ally to the FAI over the course of several years. Their pioneering collaboration with our Women’s National Team has reaped significant results, contributing towards the exponential expansion of female football in Ireland.”
He further added, “We are thrilled that they have chosen to extend this support to our Men’s National Team at an exciting juncture for the team, ahead of the Uefa Nations League campaign, the qualification process for the 2026 Fifa World Cup and Uefa Euro 2028, which Ireland is hosting. We consider it a privilege to have Sky accompany us on this journey. Sky, with its strong association with sport and particularly football, is a solid and respected brand in its own right and their team is dedicated to working alongside us to proactively advertise our senior teams in the forthcoming years, in turn, making them the ideal partner for us as an association.”
Eileen Gleeson, coach of the Republic of Ireland’s women’s team, expressed her delight at the continuation of the partnership with Sky for another five years, “Sky, for over two years, has been an exceptional partner. They have offered unparalleled support to the squad and have shown immense enthusiasm in promoting women’s football in Ireland. They have been responsive to the players’ needs, providing aid both off and on the field. We are all filled with joy at the prospects of this association proceeding for the next five years.”
John O’Shea, the coach for the Republic of Ireland’s men’s football team, has recently commented: “Sky has demonstrated itself to be a remarkable and significant Main Sponsor. The support they have offered to the WNT and the visibility they have given women’s football is unparalleled. We are thrilled to introduce Sky to the men’s team, in anticipation of our 2024 games starting this week.”