Latest news with #PFAIreland
The 42
4 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
New report shows average gambling turnover is €6.45 million per match in LOI Premier Division
WHEN STEPHEN McGUINNESS and his colleagues at the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland began their usual club visits ahead of this season they did what they always do: listened to players and people around the dressing room. As simple as it sounds, actually being open and receptive to the concerns and issues raised from their members and those close to them helped shape some of the strategy now coming into focus. Whether it was young players emerging into senior squads for the first time, or those experienced PFA Ireland delegates who act as a conduit in dressing rooms, general secretary McGuinness became aware of what continually stood out as the biggest issue: gambling, and awareness of its dangers. As the season enters its final few months, the focus of PFA Ireland's work will centre around a report it has produced for players. Some of the most stark aspects of the 'Gambling Awareness' document, seen by The Beat, relate to the betting statistics for the average global turnover per match in the League of Ireland. In the Women's Premier Division the amount is €260,000. Each FAI Cup game accounts for €1.64 million. The First Division is €2.13m. And way out in front is the Premier Division with an average turnover per match of a staggering €6.45m. All of this in a top league where the average weekly wage is around €800. Those incredible figures relating to average betting turnover were supplied to PFA Ireland by Uefa, while the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is also quoted in the report, detailing how one in 30 adults in Ireland suffers from problem gambling. Men aged 18-34 'are the most likely to engage in high-risk gambling behaviours' yet the PFA Ireland will also visit women's teams over the next two months as 'recent data suggests women are increasingly affected, particularly through online platforms and mobile apps.' Even though it became clear to McGuinness and his colleagues that gambling awareness for members is such a core issue, a shift in dressing room culture is now being led by certain clubs. Advertisement There are still recent anecdotal horror stories that highlight the issue and the hold gambling can take, like players checking phones for betting results during warm ups, on the touchline during games and in a particular case even a starting player doing so during a break in play. But small progress is being made. For instance, in some team WhatsApp groups it has now been made clear by some senior players that there is to be no casual references to betting and odds or tips in other sports. Players are continually made aware that just like coaches, club staff and match officials, the FAI prohibits them betting on any football match or competition in the world. Passing on inside information – team selection, injuries etc – to be used for betting is also prohibited. Also referenced in the PFA Ireland report is Europol, the law enforcement agency of the European Union, that states 'football is the most-targeted sport in international organised crime and match-fixing continues to pose a threat to the integrity of football worldwide'. Most recent figures for 2023 show 880 football matches were flagged as suspicious, by global monitoring systems. So it's no surprise that the League of Ireland is not immune to this threat, and only last March it was confirmed that a Garda investigation was under way after a player was offered a bribe to spot-fix during a game. The player immediately reported the approach – as per FAI rules – and it is an ongoing case. In December former Harps midfielder Ryan Rainey spoke publicly about his own gambling addiction after he was banned for six months for breaching FAI regulations, while former Liverpool trainee Shane O'Connor opened up in April about how his addiction had devastated his life. All of these dangers remain at a time when the League of Ireland and FAI have attempted to curb the reliance on gambling companies for sponsorship. The League of Ireland does not rely on a title sponsor from a betting group, and there are no front-of-jersey sponsors among its clubs. That marks Ireland out as an anomaly. Investigate Europe, a cross-border journalist collective, conducted an analysis earlier this year that found 145 of 442 teams across the continent's top division had a front-of-jersey gambling sponsor, while 296 had at least one betting partner and 14 of 31 leagues had one as title sponsor. Eleven Premier League clubs had front-of-shirt sponsors last seasons and all had a betting partner of some time. More broadly, the new Gambling Regulation Act 2024 came into effect in this country back in March but has not fully commenced despite being signed into law. Once fully commenced gambling advertising on social media and on-demand media will be banned by default, and it will ban the broadcast of gambling advertising on television and radio between the hours of 5:30am and 9:00pm. However, as reported by The Journal earlier this year, 'there is no agreed timeline in place to activate new, strict gambling regulations despite a watchdog agency for the industry being established by the government.' In the meantime, The Beat understands that PFA Ireland and the FAI have held discussions with Flutter Entertainment (parent company of Paddy Power, Betfair and Sky Betting & Gaming and others) about funding education programmes on gambling for professionals from Under-17 upwards, similar to schemes in Britain. The possibility of such a partnership is as much down to resources as anything else, but inviting the gambling industry in, even with the best of intentions, seems counter-intuitive when the League of Ireland has done a good job of not relying on it to thrive. There are a number of supports available for people to avail of relating to gambling addiction and mental health services.
The 42
05-08-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Ireland and Shamrock Rovers teenage star Ralph signs for Sheffield United
IRELAND UNDERAGE INTERNATIONAL Joy Ralph has signed for Sheffield United. The 19-year-old striker makes the move from Shamrock Rovers, joining the WSL 2 outfit on a one-year deal, with an option for a further year, for an undisclosed fee. Ralph, one of the brightest young talents in the Women's Premier Division, starred for DLR Waves before linking up with Rovers midway through the 2023 season. Advertisement The Dubliner scored 23 goals in 53 appearances for the Hoops across years; was nominated for Young Player of the Year and named in the PFA Ireland Women's Premier Division Team of the Year in 2024. 'I'm absolutely buzzing,' U19 international Ralph said upon signing her first professional contract. 'From being a young child I've always wanted to play professionally in England and to get this opportunity, I'm really, really grateful for it.' "It's been a bit hectic but I wouldn't want to have it any other way. Getting the tour of Bramall Lane, it's unbelievable, it's just breathtaking when you first walk in and I'm absolutely buzzing to step onto the pitch..." Joy Ralph on moving to the Blades 🎙️ — Sheffield United Women (@sufc_women) August 5, 2025 Head coach Ash Thompson added: 'We've been monitoring Joy closely for some time now and really pleased to have been able to get the deal done ahead of the new season. 'She's a tenacious and exciting young forward who has been a proven goal scorer in Ireland for a number of seasons now, and we only see her adding more competition and quality to our attacking options.' Rovers confirmed the move in a statement of their own. 'Everyone at the Club would like to thank Joy for her contribution to Shamrock Rovers over the past 24 months and wish her all the very best with the move to the UK.' It's the latest significant loss for the Hoops following the departures of Ruesha Littlejohn and Katie Keane last month. Keane's move to Leicester City was confirmed by the WSL club last night. Stephanie Zambra is in interim charge after Collie O'Neill recently stepped down.
The Irish Sun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
League of Ireland mascot ‘should be booked for diving' joke fans after taking hilarious fall in charity race in Naas
FANS joked that a League of Ireland mascot "should be booked for diving" after a hilarious fall at a charity race in Naas. The LOI Mascot Race , sponsored by PFA Ireland , took place at the Kildare racecourse on Saturday. Advertisement 3 League of Ireland mascots took part in a charity race in Naas 3 Sligo Rovers' Benny The Bull suffered a dramatic fall late on 3 This opened the door for Finn Harps' Harper to win It was run in aid of Right from the start, In a momentous twist, Benny lost his footing and fell to the floor, allowing Harper to pull away and win the race for the second time after also winning it in 2019. Fans reacted to the race by poking fun at poor Benny for the tumble. Advertisement Read More on League of Ireland RacingTV joked: "The Devon Loch of the mascot scene..." in reference to the horse which fell on the final straight while leading the 1956 A second viewer said: "Ah jaysus benny" while a third said: "Should be booked for diving" A fourth commented: "Terrible beat for Benny The Bull backers" Between The Stipes tweeted: "Finn Harps greatest moment since the Advertisement Most read in Football " "Credit to all involved, all for a worthy cause" Watch Roy Keane break character in hilarious blooper reel for League of Ireland ad Benny's unfortunate fall was one of two blows suffered by Sligo Rovers on Saturday. John Russell's men were made to settle for a draw with Advertisement That was despite the The point leaves Sligo in the relegation play-off spot, five points ahead of bottom side Cork City. Derry City closed the deficit with a Advertisement The Candystripes are in second place They face the Hoops two times before the end of the season.
Irish Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
League of Ireland players reach compromise on tracking technology blackout
League of Ireland players have agreed to a two-week blackout on clubs using technology to track their fitness in the off initially wanted a four-week lockdown where their physical activity was not being monitored, but have indicated they will meet clubs proposal is that players get a four-week off-season break after their final game of the season, with 'at least two of those weeks being completely commitment free'.PFA Ireland chief Stephen McGuinness wrote to all clubs this week, requesting their co-operation ahead of formally introducing the measure to standard player contracts. McGuinness wrote: 'This period is essential for players to recover physically and mentally from the demands of the season and to reduce the risk of injury and burnout.'Seen by Mirror Sport, the letter continued: 'Players should not be issued any structured or informal training plans, fitness schedules, or physical conditioning expectations. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. 'Clubs are asked to refrain from using GPS, heart rate monitors, wellness apps, or any other tracking technologies during this time."There should be no club-led training sessions, meetings, or check-ins - either in person or remotely - during the blackout period. Players should be free to use this time as they see fit, without any pressure or implied obligations from club staff or management.' PFA Ireland conducted a recent survey of 319 players, the majority of whom felt that wearing GPS tracking vests in the off-season was 'like working from home.'This week's PFA Ireland letter to clubs concluded: 'These safeguards are not merely recommendations. They are evidence-based standards aligned with global occupational health and safety principles.'As such, we believe their implementation is not only in the best interest of the players but also of the clubs and the league as a whole. It is our expectation that the above blackout period and related terms are recognised in the Standard Player's Contract (SPC) ahead of the 2026 season.'The National League Committee will meet to discuss the players' proposal. Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email.
The Irish Sun
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
League of Ireland player survey provides definitive verdict on mid-season break after Damien Duff criticism
NEARLY all League of Ireland footballers are in favour of a summer break - and many want a close-season blackout period too. The PFA Ireland, which represents professional players in Ireland, conducted a survey this week asking for feedback on the summer break. Advertisement And a whopping 95.3 percent of the 319 members who replied were in favour of the break, which guarantees five continuous days off during the summer, should continue. That is a slight increase from the last time that PFA Ireland survey members in 2019 when 92 percent were in favour. The PFA Ireland survey was long planned but coincidence meant it was conducted a week after Shelbourne manager Shels' gaffer Duff called it 'amateurish' and added that it had 'an air of the jolly boys outing…it's a week on the gargle.' Advertisement Read More On Irish Football But the vast majority of players are in favour of it, while no other manager has voiced disapproval, and Duff himself acknowledged this week the break came at a good time. The survey also asked for feedback, and the players' representative body highlighted that a large number of players surveyed said there should be a close-season blackout. While players get time off of around four weeks before coming back in for fitness work before pre-season proper, they are often given fitness programmes and a tracker. And it was described by some in surveys as 'like working from home' during the only extended break that players get during the year. Advertisement Most read in Football Live Blog That is in line with a study by FIFPro - the world players' union - who compiled a study by 70 medical and performance experts that called for 'blackout' periods. The PFA Ireland have highlighted that issue and will now bring it up with meetings with the National League Executive Committee. Gabriel urges Arsenal to complete £67m transfer for 'phenomenal' Brazil team-mate Rodrygo amid Real Madrid frustration 1 Damien Duff isn't a fan anyway
