20 Teams, 2 Divisions, 1 National League

**Roones26** · 12/11/2025, 4:52 PM

Originally Posted by nr637

Your sources please?

https://www.mayonews.ie/news/soccer/...ny-oneill.html

**nr637** · 13/11/2025, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Roones26

https://www.mayonews.ie/news/soccer/...ny-oneill.html

Obviously Mayo FC know something about their application for the new Third Tier!

Maybe there is an NDA agreement involved here for clubs with the FAI!

**culloty82** · 13/11/2025, 12:21 PM

Apparently, a number of the original applicants have pulled out of the process, so the FAI are "focused on quality over quantity", with others "on the radar for future expansion", and a fourth tier potentially built around the MSL and LSL - translated, it looks like only between 12-18 clubs are up to the mark the FAI have been looking for:

https://loitalk.com/league-of-ireland-third-tier/

**Roones26** · 13/11/2025, 12:34 PM

I mean maybe but I’ll wait til it’s in a mainstream paper even a local paper over the report of a first year journalism student I hadn’t seen elsewhere

**pineapple stu** · 13/11/2025, 2:23 PM

Originally Posted by culloty82

it looks like only between 12-18 clubs are up to the mark the FAI have been looking for:

Is that including B teams? That's close to zero additional interest if so

**legendz** · 13/11/2025, 2:49 PM

The youth leagues are where any aspiring LoI clubs should start. CK, Kildare and Mayo are the only clubs showing that commitment. (Limerick FC probably should be mentioned as well.)

**nr637** · 13/11/2025, 2:54 PM

Originally Posted by culloty82

Apparently, a number of the original applicants have pulled out of the process, so the FAI are "focused on quality over quantity", with others "on the radar for future expansion", and a fourth tier potentially built around the MSL and LSL - translated, it looks like only between 12-18 clubs are up to the mark the FAI have been looking for:

https://loitalk.com/league-of-ireland-third-tier/

I reckon there are plenty of clubs both Senior & Junior that have the necessary facilities, some that would embarrasse current LOI clubs.
The main focus to re-assure clubs involved in this new third tier format will be the financial support that will be available to allow clubs take part.

I reckon the FAI will have no problem getting the required 20 clubs in time.