About Republic of Ireland

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) was founded on 2 September 1921 in Dublin, emerging from a split with the Belfast-based Irish Football Association (IFA). Southern clubs had grown increasingly frustrated with IFA governance centred in the north, and following the Leinster FA's disaffiliation, the FAI was established as a separate governing body. The association joined FIFA in 1923 as the Football Association of the Irish Free State, readopting its current name in 1936. Ireland became a UEFA member in 1954.

The Republic of Ireland's most celebrated era came under manager Jack Charlton, who transformed the national team into a competitive force. Ireland qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 1990 (reaching the quarter-finals), and again in 1994, as well as UEFA Euro 1988 and 2012. The passionate supporter culture developed during this period — encapsulated by the Green Army — became one of Irish football's defining characteristics.

The FAI has faced serious governance challenges in modern times. A major crisis erupted in 2019 involving hidden financial losses and a €100,000 personal loan from then-CEO John Delaney, threatening the association's viability and leading to significant restructuring under external oversight. The incident accelerated reforms and a new governance framework aimed at restoring trust and stability within Irish football.