Exiting FAI chief Roy Barrett calls for Irish football to benefit from betting levy ahead of horse and greyhound racing

Roy Barrett wants Irish football to benefit from betting levy. He wants to replace FAI chairman once a suitable replacement is found. FAi was saved by a bailout. The association continues to pay down its bank debt. The GAA and IRFU have fared better when it comes to state funding for facilities since 2000. There are 1,200 Irish clubs spread over 1.200 counties and towns.

Roy Barrett wants Irish football to benefit from betting levy ahead of horse and greyhound racing. Since 2001, all of the proceeds from the betting Levy have gone to horse racing and grayhound races.

Roy Barrett wants Irish football to benefit from betting levy ahead of horse and greyhound racing. UK gambling commission found 60 per cent of bets are on football.

40% of betting and tax revenue should go to horse racing and greyhound racing. Football should receive equal funding. The government needs to invest in sport. The betting levy should be increased to 3%. It is important in terms of where the country is now. It would be a better thing societally, from a health perspective and a community perspective.

Barrett says there has been underinvestment in Irish football for the last 20 years. Since 2000, the GAA have got about €430m in Government grants, football has got €118m, rugby has €57m. Gaa has £208k per club, Rugby €280k, Football less than €100k. There are 1,200 different clubs, 220,000-odd registered players and 43,00 registered volunteers. Football is the only significant international sport in the country. It is estimated that the net contribution of football to the economy is €1.8bn plus per year.

Barrett believes he will be handing over an association in a relatively strong position. He believes the association's reputation was coming from an extraordinarily low base. The association has debts of €60m but they are being dealt with. There is progress being made in the sponsorship. The FAI could be without a sponsor in 12 months. It doesn't bother Barrett as much as it bothers other people.