View Full Version : Dear FAI, your league has started...
adamd164
09/03/2013, 9:22 PM
http://backpagefootball.com/dear-fai-your-league-has-started/54959/
Dear FAI, your league has started…
The League of Ireland got underway last night but nobody told its governing body, the Football Association of Ireland.
While many other amateur outlets such as our friends at extratime.ie (http://www.extratime.ie/) put in countless hours to bring us top notch coverage, the FAI continued its League of Ireland blackout with a grand total of zero mentions via Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/FAIreland) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/FAIOfficial).
Indeed, the last tweet regarding the league came back on March 1st and since then the launch of yet another jersey for the national team (which will probably see the light of day twice at a push) has been the primary focus.
There are cynics out there who are of the opinion that the FAI sees the League of Ireland as nothing more than an inconvenience, a necessity to fall within FIFA’s remit, and it’s hard to prove them wrong.
The League of Ireland has only come under the FAI since 2006 having previously been governed solely by the clubs, and in 2010 the decision was made to renew the arrangement.
However, since then the FAI has shown almost no interest in the league, and not a year goes by without at least one club encountering serious financial difficulties, sometimes to the point of removal from the competition (Monaghan United in 2012 for example).
This is made even more frustrating by the fact that FAI’s Chief Executive John Delaney earns €400,000 while the total prize money for the League of Ireland is €241,000.
You’ll notice that I’ve not yet referred to the League of Ireland by its official title but I’m reluctant to give a plug to a company that, like the FAI, seems to care little about the competition which bears its name.
The official Airtricity League twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/airtricityleag) is nothing more than a vidiprinter; it churns out latest scores and results with no interaction whatsoever with any of its 4300+ followers.
Social media and public relations, you’re doing them wrong.
While other leagues across the globe, such as MLS and the A-League, continue to grow thanks to progressive attitudes, the League of Ireland stands still.
Of course, living in the shadow of the Premier League’s glitz and glamour is never easy but until the attitudes at the very top change, domestic football in Ireland will continue to be looked down upon by the masses.
http://backpagefootball.com/dear-fai-your-league-has-started/54959/
OMG !! How true this is
A face
11/03/2013, 10:18 AM
Its brutal ..... they are an absolute pity and no one seems to bother about it ...... and €400 a year, he'd seriously want to be coming up with the good like. International Team = Disaster, LOI = Neglected, Junior Football = Not fit for purpose ..... he is getting away with murder
NeverFeltBetter
11/03/2013, 10:28 AM
The League of Ireland has only come under the FAI since 2006 having previously been governed solely by the clubs, and in 2010 the decision was made to renew the arrangement.
Maybe we should think about this.
seanmac
11/03/2013, 10:40 AM
Still nothing posted up as of yet. They can't claim it's policy not to use the official FAI page to promote LOI because on March 1st they posted up a picture of the LOI start of season jersey photoshoot. It's as if they completely forgot LOI was starting at the weekend...
Having said that, even the airtricity league website is still showing the weekend's fixtures & kick off times on the homepage... shocking state of affairs...
Dodge
11/03/2013, 11:38 AM
Maybe we should think about this.
Maybe we should think about the state of the league that meant the FAI HAD to take control of it. Look at the clubs involved. Most of them in bits.
The FAI's website and social media people are kind of left to their own devices I feel. It just so happens that none of them have any interest in the LOI. They tweeted a pic of them on 'national jersey day' for some charty and there wasn't one LOI jersey. Shame
IN general the league's twitter/facebook accounts are awful. They need to have a person in charge of that.
adamd164
11/03/2013, 12:38 PM
IN general the league's twitter/facebook accounts are awful. They need to have a person in charge of that.
And the official league website.
Pay one of the guys from ExtraTime.ie to do the online stuff, it'd be a damn sight more professional.
DannyInvincible
11/03/2013, 1:00 PM
They tweeted a pic of them on 'national jersey day' for some charty and there wasn't one LOI jersey. Shame
You got a link to this? Can't find it on the FAI's Twitter.
IN general the league's twitter/facebook accounts are awful. They need to have a person in charge of that
The serious issue here is there is a person paid to do it but is not !!!
A face
11/03/2013, 2:06 PM
The FAI's website and social media people are kind of left to their own devices I feel. It just so happens that none of them have any interest in the LOI. They tweeted a pic of them on 'national jersey day' for some charty and there wasn't one LOI jersey. Shame
Them being all the staff in the FAI Office? Seriously, not one LOI jersey? Can you dig out that picture be any chance?
No, can't find that pic lads. It's usually around October (in aid of Goal) if anyone wants to have a closer look
BTW I did a bit of a snoop.
http://balls.ie/football/fai-airtricity-league-twitter-social-media/
At the very least its weird that the LOI official account follows Porto and Chelsea but not Bohs or Limerick (and 5 other LOI clubs)
NeverFeltBetter
11/03/2013, 3:17 PM
This thread depresses me greatly. There's a decent product here, but the promotion is heartbreakingly awful.
mypost
11/03/2013, 3:29 PM
The League of Ireland got underway last night but nobody told its governing body, the Football Association of Ireland.
However, since then the FAI has shown almost no interest in the league, and not a year goes by without at least one club encountering serious financial difficulties, sometimes to the point of removal from the competition (Monaghan United in 2012 for example).
This is made even more frustrating by the fact that FAI’s Chief Executive John Delaney earns €400,000 while the total prize money for the League of Ireland is €241,000.
Social media and public relations, you’re doing them wrong.
While other leagues across the globe, such as MLS and the A-League, continue to grow thanks to progressive attitudes, the League of Ireland stands still.
Of course, living in the shadow of the Premier League’s glitz and glamour is never easy but until the attitudes at the very top change, domestic football in Ireland will continue to be looked down upon by the masses.
Well at least they could get the figures right. The CEO takes home €360k a year, while the league champions accepted €18k as their cash prize just a few short years ago.
The MLS is a joke league with a few washed up Europeans (bar Robbie Keane) taking a wage at a joke standard of football. Who takes either that or the A-League seriously, or as a model to aspire to?
Clubs in the biggest of leagues and countries are in financial difficulty, (how many "administrations" have Portsmouth been in?) and will be the case as long as the game is played. It's just we obviously take more of an interest in who is facing oblivion at home, but that doesn't mean everywhere else is waterproof.
The FAI have to take an interest in it, as they run it, it's just they have other leagues to run as well and resources are tight. Sorry that it's not to everyone's satisfaction.
BonnieShels
11/03/2013, 3:40 PM
Well at least they could get the figures right. The CEO takes home €360k a year, while the league champions accepted €18k as their cash prize just a few short years ago.
The MLS is a joke league with a few washed up Europeans (bar Robbie Keane) taking a wage at a joke standard of football. Who takes either that or the A-League seriously, or as a model to aspire to?
Clubs in the biggest of leagues and countries are in financial difficulty, (how many "administrations" have Portsmouth been in?) and will be the case as long as the game is played. It's just we obviously take more of an interest in who is facing oblivion at home, but that doesn't mean everywhere else is waterproof.
The FAI have to take an interest in it, as they run it, it's just they have other leagues to run as well and resources are tight. Sorry that it's not to everyone's satisfaction.
What other leagues are they running now?
EAFC_rdfl
11/03/2013, 3:40 PM
keep replying and commenting on anything they post non-LOI asking why no mention. I started with the pic of the ladies team up on FB today.
The MLS is a joke league with a few washed up Europeans (bar Robbie Keane) taking a wage at a joke standard of football. Who takes either that or the A-League seriously, or as a model to aspire to?
The team with the lowest average attendance in the MLS got an average of 13,000 last year. League average was over 18,000
http://mlsattendance.blogspot.ie/2012/10/2012-final-attendance-update.html
But yeah, you can dismiss it all you like
As for this
The FAI have to take an interest in it, as they run it, it's just they have other leagues to run as well and resources are tight. Sorry that it's not to everyone's satisfaction.
Go on then, name the leagues they have to run.
NeverFeltBetter
11/03/2013, 4:02 PM
Saw a couple of tweets promoting the Setanta Cup there, maybe someone's taken notice.
PartySaint
11/03/2013, 4:31 PM
The team with the lowest average attendance in the MLS got an average of 13,000 last year. League average was over 18,000
250 million people in the US plus 2 Canadian teams. Hardly a fair comparison
shantykelly
11/03/2013, 4:49 PM
In a country where football historically doesn't have strong roots, where american (& canadian) football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, athletics are the dominant sports (at least we only have to deal with the GAA), and where football has been seen as the preserve of children, women, and you-ro-peans. Hardly the strongest of bases to start from.
legendz
11/03/2013, 6:37 PM
For everyone complaining about the FAI on this subject, are ye're own clubs providing updates via twitter and/or facebook? As for the comment on the sponsors, is there another sponsor looking to do different?
mypost
11/03/2013, 7:09 PM
The team with the lowest average attendance in the MLS got an average of 13,000 last year. League average was over 18,000
But yeah, you can dismiss it all you like
So what? It's still a joke league full of journeymen and never-made-its.
Go on then, name the leagues they have to run.
Junior Leagues, Senior Leagues, Reserve Leagues, Regional Leagues, Winter Leagues, etc, etc.
250 million people in the US plus 2 Canadian teams. Hardly a fair comparison
Correct.
White Horse
12/03/2013, 9:49 AM
For everyone complaining about the FAI on this subject, are ye're own clubs providing updates via twitter and/or facebook? As for the comment on the sponsors, is there another sponsor looking to do different?
Dundalk FC are. During the EA cup game against Shels last night, I was in a taxi in Paris.
I had two running updates on Twitter, an official one and a fan one. In addition, the match was broadcast live on Dundalk FM.
No lack of local promotion in Dundalk.
We are well within our rights to comment on national promotion by the FAI.
NeverFeltBetter
12/03/2013, 10:02 AM
Yeah, the FAI are crazy busy promoting winter leagues, no wonder they can't get the time to tweet about the League of Ireland. And it isn't really the quality of the MLS that's in question here, but how well they've used social media to promote their league and increase attendance.
Limerick FC's twitter seems active enough, same for the FB accounts.
Dodge
12/03/2013, 10:15 AM
So what? It's still a joke league full of journeymen and never-made-its.
Unlike our world class lads then
Junior Leagues, Senior Leagues, Reserve Leagues, Regional Leagues, Winter Leagues, etc, etc.
FAI don't run any of them. They run 1 league, the League of Ireland.
Now, getting back to their excellent use of social media and how you think that's a bad thing...
ArdeeBhoy
12/03/2013, 10:47 AM
Surely everyone's who's interested in the LoI already knows about it!
That said, after the national side, the main domestic league should be their primary concern.
Dodge
12/03/2013, 10:53 AM
Surely everyone's who's interested in the LoI already knows about it!
So that's it then. No more new fans. Grand so
gufcfan
12/03/2013, 11:01 AM
Surely everyone's who's interested in the LoI already knows about it!
You sound like a Salthill Devon club official, i.e. they don't advertise.
adamd164
12/03/2013, 11:08 AM
Surely everyone's who's interested in the LoI already knows about it!
Bizaree logic, should Coke stop advertising because everyone who likes Coke already knows it's in the shops!?
ArdeeBhoy
12/03/2013, 12:51 PM
So that's it then. No more new fans.
So all these 'new' fans will suddenly materialise, just because the ever-efficient FAI promote it??
Yeah, right.
There's saturation of coverage on TV/online, so unsure what the FAI can do to counter that. Even if they wanted to.
As it's outside their jurisdiction.
Dodge
12/03/2013, 12:54 PM
So all these 'new' fans will suddenly materialise, just because the ever-efficient FAI promote it??
Yeah, right.
So how are they going to turn up without promotion? Jeez
There's saturation of coverage on TV/online, so unsure what the FAI can do to counter that. Even if they wanted to.
As it's outside their jurisdiction.
You're babbling now
ArdeeBhoy
12/03/2013, 12:57 PM
Hardly. You just happen to reside in a bubble.
The point is that most people who're likely to go to LOI games are already aware of the clubs, the venues, the KO times.
As for the FAI's 'intervention', be careful what you wish for.
NeverFeltBetter
12/03/2013, 1:10 PM
You're seriously suggesting that the League should be happy with the current level of advertising and promotion?
peadar1987
12/03/2013, 1:15 PM
That's simply not true, and the evidence backs that up.
Every time LOI clubs have made a sustained effort to promote themselves, attendances have risen. Why do you think people do it if it doesn't work?!
gufcfan
12/03/2013, 1:22 PM
There's saturation of coverage
http://youtu.be/G2y8Sx4B2Sk
gormacha
12/03/2013, 1:23 PM
I find is astonishing - and depressing - that some people on this thread are defending the FAI about the running of the LOI, and even worse, arguing that nothing more could be done to promote the LOI.
Most of it is amateurish, at best. There is enormous scope for improvement. And if the CEO got nearer what would be a more reasonable salary, there'd be loads left over for campaigns and dedicated marketing and promotion staff.
A face
12/03/2013, 1:25 PM
You're seriously suggesting that the League should be happy with the current level of advertising and promotion?
I think thats what he's saying ..... i think its a 'we've seen it all now' moment myself !!!
Sam_Heggy
12/03/2013, 1:31 PM
Sure who wants "outsiders" coming to our games?
These "new" fans and their zero knowledge of the league and real football in general, should be kept away from our footballing sanctuary that is the LOI.
Change is not good.
ArdeeBhoy
12/03/2013, 1:34 PM
Erm, no. Just don't rely on the FAI to do this, now or ever.
If you read my original post on this thread, you'll find I think they should...
Still, certain people like to wilfully misread.
Good luck with it all anyway, though I can't share your enthusiasm. For the FAI and their promotional attributes.
Erm, no. Just don't rely on the FAI to do this, now or ever.
If you read my original post on this thread, you'll find I think they should...
Still, certain people like to wilfully misread.
Go then explain it to us. Here it is in all its glory
Surely everyone's who's interested in the LoI already knows about it!
That said, after the national side, the main domestic league should be their primary concern.
Remembering that the topic at hand is whether the FAI twitter account should maybe mention that there are games on each week. maybe 2/3 tweets a week
ArdeeBhoy
12/03/2013, 1:58 PM
If it's that much of a stretch, buy a dictionary...
;)
A face
12/03/2013, 2:10 PM
If it's that much of a stretch, buy a dictionary...
;)
Anyone send you a card recently?
http://static.someecards.com/someecards/usercards/cdbc47b35de044d5ea37d87f90201ea53b.png
If it's that much of a stretch, buy a dictionary...
;)
As I thought...
The point is that most people who're likely to go to LOI games are already aware of the clubs, the venues, the KO times.
This bit made me laugh the most....
Are any of us ever really sure of these things?! :D
nigel-harps1954
12/03/2013, 2:29 PM
Surely everyone's who's interested in the LoI already knows about it!
That said, after the national side, the main domestic league should be their primary concern.
Apply the same logic to the national team.
Your opinion might differ then.
Sleepingpartner
12/03/2013, 3:25 PM
Sorry, what does the last post mean? In the context of FAI/LOI?
mypost
12/03/2013, 7:47 PM
FAI don't run any of them. They run 1 league, the League of Ireland.
Now, getting back to their excellent use of social media and how you think that's a bad thing...
The FAI run the whole lot directly or indirectly.
Regarding social media, a lot of crap that's posted on the twit machine is wrong, and when it's wrong, it's embarrassing for all concerned.
legendz
12/03/2013, 7:50 PM
Dundalk FC are. During the EA cup game against Shels last night, I was in a taxi in Paris.
I had two running updates on Twitter, an official one and a fan one. In addition, the match was broadcast live on Dundalk FM.
No lack of local promotion in Dundalk.
We are well within our rights to comment on national promotion by the FAI.
Didn't say ye were not. If I'm looking for details on a game I look to the club, team in question. Rugby updates from Munster, not the IRFU. Soccer updates, from Tralee Dynamos or Limerick FC, not the FAI.
Surely everyone's who's interested in the LoI already knows about it!
That said, after the national side, the main domestic league should be their primary concern.
They do and as the lads say regards coke in shops, more promotion is needed. Personally I think clubs are a better source for that. I see the FAI as an administrative body.
Their primary concern should be promotion of the game in this country. Opens the door here for a comment on certains things I'll leave lie for now!
So that's it then. No more new fans. Grand so
He made a fair point. Easy to take it out of context if you want to. For more new fans, I wouldn't look to the FAI.
legendz
12/03/2013, 7:55 PM
You sound like a Salthill Devon club official, i.e. they don't advertise.
lol
So all these 'new' fans will suddenly materialise, just because the ever-efficient FAI promote it??
Yeah, right.
There's saturation of coverage on TV/online, so unsure what the FAI can do to counter that. Even if they wanted to.
As it's outside their jurisdiction.
I wouldn't say there's saturation of coverage, just will people listen to the FAI. As I say, I think clubs are best placed themselves to promotes their games within their area and in the local press. Limerick got a good reaction on Sunday to the press they've received.
That's simply not true, and the evidence backs that up.
Every time LOI clubs have made a sustained effort to promote themselves, attendances have risen. Why do you think people do it if it doesn't work?!
Do clubs have any lobbying power? If they've a problem, could they not group together as a body and lobby the FAI for what they seek?
legendz
12/03/2013, 8:03 PM
I find is astonishing - and depressing - that some people on this thread are defending the FAI about the running of the LOI, and even worse, arguing that nothing more could be done to promote the LOI.
Most of it is amateurish, at best. There is enormous scope for improvement. And if the CEO got nearer what would be a more reasonable salary, there'd be loads left over for campaigns and dedicated marketing and promotion staff.
I don't think anyone is defending the FAI. Different views are being expressed on what more can be done to promote the league. On the point of promoting the league, just making the point clubs can do a lot of work in this area as they are. I don't think the FAI will make much difference. If I'm near Waterford and consider to take in a game, it's the Waterford Utd website not the FAI I'd look to.
I think looking to the FAI for everything is amateurish. A Championship clubs got nothing because they sought nothing. If they had any great intention/ambition to progress, they could've formed an A Championship board and made representations to the FAI regards what they might have sought. Some LoI clubs aren't much better. Do clubs need the FAI to hold their hands or what?
Charlie Darwin
12/03/2013, 8:15 PM
I think looking to the FAI for everything is amateurish. A Championship clubs got nothing because they sought nothing. If they had any great intention/ambition to progress, they could've formed an A Championship board and made representations to the FAI regards what they might have sought. Some LoI clubs aren't much better. Do clubs need the FAI to hold their hands or what?
I don't think anybody would disagree with that, but nobody asking the FAI to do everything either. They're being asked to do the minimum reasonable amount of due diligence to the league they're supposed to run and which produces a large (and increasing) proportion of their precious national team. There are absolutely amateur structures in place at some clubs but the FAI is supposed to be a professional organisation and should start acting like one. As it stands, they're the sole organising body for football in this country yet they piggy back on the work done by neighbouring organisations and clubs while acting as if they're utterly oblivious to the league they actually do administer and have some stake in.
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