Monaghan United are out of the running to become members of the new FAI National League.
Northern Sound Sport has learnt the FAI have made progress towards the identification of the expected 20 new National League clubs. However, Monaghan United are no longer part of the selection process.
Phase one was completed on February 27 with 67 expressions of interest registered with the FAI.
Indeed, phase two has now been completed, which included a filtering process. Northern Sound Sport understands a number of the registered expressions of interest were not fully backed by the clubs.
Also a number of the clubs who did not progress to phase three, were believed to be playing below the standard expected of the new league.
The FAI is understood to be working through phrase three of the project with possible new members. Indeed, the emphasis focuses on “player pathway development, club governance, facilities and community interaction”.
Northern Sound Sport understands a large amount of interest was registered from clubs in Dublin and Cork. However, the FAI are attempting to balance the new league on geographic stance.
It is understood that two universities are in-line to join the new league with SETU Carlow in serious consideration.
The FAI are looking favourably toward counties with no league of Ireland representative. It is expected that Mayo FC will join the northern division of 10 teams. Whereas, Klub Kildare are in line to join the southern division.
There is expected to be an update issued by the FAI on the establishement of the National league in the middle of May.
