Quinn: FAI looking at streaming League of Ireland matches behind a paywall

FAI INTERIM DEPUTY chief executive Niall Quinn says the association is looking into the feasibility of a streaming service that would show League of Ireland matches.

With football currently suspended, the FAI and the SSE Airtricity League are considering several options in a bid to rescue the 2020 campaign, which was only five rounds in when the spread of Covid-19 forced a halt. 

One option is playing games behind closed doors and streaming them live online, with fans paying a subscription fee to view the matches. 

“I think we are looking elsewhere,” Quinn told Newstalk Breakfast. “We have gone a long way down the line looking at a streaming option where all games can be accessed via a digital paywall.

“That’s technically in a really good position, so that can happen if that’s where we believe the clubs can go. We’d look at a financial audit there and find out exactly what would be required from streaming to make it feasible.

“There’s also now at the moment the possibility of a contribution from Fifa. I think Uefa have been very good to us, I think the government have been very good to us, so we wouldn’t refuse anything, but Fifa have expressed a public willingness to assist associations hit hard in the current pandemic.