Prize money for the League of Ireland will increase from the start of this season, the FAI announced today.
The association has pledged an additional €160,000 to the prize fund, increasing the total pot to €475,500.
The new deal represents a 50% increase on last year’s fund of €315,000.
There had been previous criticism of the prize money clubs in the league received, stating that the reward was too small for clubs to be able to compete and survive.
The league campaign gets underway on Friday March 4, when last year's runners-up Cork City host Bohemians at Turners Cross and Galway United travel to Richmond Park to take on St. Patrick's Athletic.
The news comes at the launch of the new season today at the Aviva Stadium.
2016 SSE Airtricity League Launch, Aviva Stadium. Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill and FAI CEO John Delaney at today's SSE Airtricity League launch. Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
2016 SSE Airtricity League Launch, Aviva Stadium. Image: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
