The FAI are currently looking for a marketing executive for the Airtricity League.
It's strange timing by the association, who announced the fixtures for the 2017 at 1pm today. The release came alongside a statement from the head of football in the country, which confirmed that three teams would be relegated from the 2017 season and the First Division champions would be the only team promoted.
In other words, two ten-team division would be in place from February 2018.
The decision did not go down well on social media...
Another braindead decision from the powers that be, reducing the LOI Premier to 10 teams in 2018. Meaning 3/12 teams will face relegation.
— Back Page Football (@bpfootball) December 22, 2016
Not convinced on the FAI's decision to move to a 10-team division. Makes the league look small time, and deprives 2 teams of big gates.
— Martin (@marmulades) December 22, 2016
It was almost all pessimistic.
This new ten team league could destroy the League of Ireland. Would have fathered see the league grow to 16 than reduce to 10
— Aaron Clarke (@Aaron_c91) December 22, 2016
I didn't expect anything other than this decision though. It could ruin the league. No logic behind it, as usual. (c)
— Gerard Grimes (@GerardGrimes11) December 22, 2016
Some twitterlytics - those in favour of league restructure in current guise.... 0, those against league restructure.... 7263 and counting.
— Mark Hill (@markhillsports) December 22, 2016
While John O'Sullivan, a former board member at three League of Ireland clubs, pointed out the irony coming out of the €5,000 grant given to clubs earlier this year.
Current St.Pats' star Ger O'Brien seemed to encapsulate the mood of the fanbase.
Don't like or agree with 2 10team leagues. Instead of making 10 strong teams in 1 league help all the clubs get better and stronger by ...
— Ger O'Brien (@gerramia) December 22, 2016
Giving them more support. Especially financial help not 5k proper help. Make 20 strong teams not 10 and forget about the rest
— Ger O'Brien (@gerramia) December 22, 2016
The Premier Division has consisted of ten teams before but only for a three year period before being scrapped in 2012. Expect this argument to rumble on until the league starts in February.
