Monaghan United have expressed an interest in joining the new FAI National League.
Northern Sound Sport has learnt that Monaghan United were one of 67 clubs who expressed an interest in joining the new national league.
The FAI were originally looking for 20 clubs or entities to join the new league. The league would then be split into a north and south divisions. Promotion and relegation to the League of Ireland first division would be part of the new league.
Monaghan United played league of Ireland football from 1983 to 2012. They surprisingly exited the league in June 2012, having played premier division football that year.
While leaving the League of Ireland, the club stayed in existence and played one season in the Ulster senior league.
National League set to launch in August 2026
Launching the new league; FAI director of football Marc Canham said; “The new FAI National League provides a clear pathway and progression from the Amateur game to the League of Ireland and we look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop our Irish football pyramid now and in the future."
The FAI will now work with the clubs who expressed interest in joining the new league. The next milstone in the project has not been announced by the FAI.
Indeed, a number of clubs have revealed they have expressed an interest in joining the new FAI National League. Including former League of Ireland members, St. Francis FC and Salthill Devon.
The Irish Independent reported that interest from Connacht and Ulster was small. Whereas, Shannonside Sport has learnt that no expressions of interest have been received from Roscommon or the Roscommon and District League.
