BDO Ireland have announced the launch of its Economic Impact Assessment of the League of Ireland report, which highlights the league’s significant contributions to economic growth and the social benefits it provides to communities across the country. . In attendance at the announcement are, from left, Ruairí Keating of Cork City, League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon, Laurie Ryan of Athlone Town, Austin Hickey, Director at BDO Ireland, and Rory Gaffney of Shamrock Rovers. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
The FAI have released the details of an economic impact assessment of the League of Ireland which has reached the conclusion that the league contributes €164.7m to the Irish economy through direct activities and an estimated €40m to the exchequer through taxes.
BDO Ireland were commissioned to carry out the work, with the 2023 season used as a reference point, a year where 826,086 fans attended league games, a 19.5pc growth from 2022 and a 77pc increase from 2019, the last full year before the pandemic. Fans spend on average of €49.40 on travel, food and merchandise on matchdays.
The report details how LOI clubs generated €38.1m in revenue during the season with 28pc coming from ticket sales and 19pc from transfer income with €10.1m invested in stadium and training facilities.
BDO say that 1,646 people are directly employed by LOI clubs, including full-time and part-time staff, with a further 4,448 jobs supported indirectly.
The FAI are using this report as part of their ongoing correspondence with government to highlight the contribution that football makes to the economy.
They say the work ‘underscores the need for sustained investment in infrastructure and club development to ensure that Irish football can continue to thrive and deliver significant returns’ with economic and social factors listed.
“This report from BDO Ireland shows how the League of Ireland plays a crucial role through multiple dimensions bringing significant contributions to Irish society,” said league director Mark Scanlon.
“Whether it be through direct or indirect employment, investment in infrastructure or supporter spend through travel, merchandise and hospitality, the League of Ireland has a major role to play in the Irish economy.
“League of Ireland Clubs have become increasingly professionalised in recent years and with Clubs now having Men’s and Women’s teams at Senior and Academy levels as well as strong community programmes, the Clubs have become integral to their local areas.
“This report shows us the net result of how this impacts Irish society and crucially how further investment can help the League realise its potential. We have seen increased attendances, audience and engagement with local communities and we’re excited for this to continue to grow.”