FAI denies sponsorship blow claim

The Football Association of Ireland has denied that Eircom has pulled out of sponsoring the League of Ireland.

Reports in Dublin on Thursday suggested that the lucrative sponsorship of the domestic league was set to end.

However, an FAI spokesman said that negotiations regarding Eircom's sponsorship deals with both the league and the FAI in general were continuing.

Eircom's current deal backing the League of Ireland expires is scheduled to expire at the end of this season.

The telecommunications group began their relationship with Irish football in 2000, sponsoring the national side before extending their commitment by becoming title sponsor of the league shortly afterwards.

There has been speculation that Eircom will maintain its relationship with the Republic of Ireland international teams.

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