Ireland's top referee is set to make a switch Stateside. After over 350 League of Ireland matches across 14 years, Alan Kelly has decided to trade in the domestic Irish game for the more lucrative MLS.
Alan Kelly, from Cork, has been rising up the ranks of UEFA and FIFA for a long time now, having been on the FIFA list of referees since 2002. In recent years, the 38-year old has refereed Europa League games, Champions League group stage matches (including one at the Bernabeu), and some international qualifiers for both the World Cup and European Championships, as well as the weekly League of Ireland beat. His most high profile fixture has been a friendly between Spain and Argentina in 2009.
According to the Irish Daily Star, the Corkman's potential income will increase dramatically. A League of Ireland referee earns €150 per game, while MLS match fees can rise to as high as $1,100.
Kelly may officiate his final game in Ireland this weekend, the FAI Cup semi final between Sligo and Shamrock Rovers.
image: sportsfile
cover image: sportsfile
