CUP

IRISH LEAGUE chiefs have accused the FAI of jumping the gun by revealing a new Champions Cup between the league winners north and south.

At the League of Ireland launch yesterday, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) competitions director Fran Gavin said the respective champions would meet over two legs later this year.

According to Gavin, the first leg will be played up north on November 8 with the return down south on November 12. “Significant prize money” will be on offer and a sponsor will be announced next month, he added.

But while the Irish Football Association (IFA) and Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) confirmed that talks have taken place, surprise was expressed at the formal announcement.

“Nothing has been confirmed at this stage,” said an IFA spokesman.

Last night, the FAI refused to comment on statements issued by the IFA and NIFL, who run the Irish League. But Abbotstown sources insist their counterparts over the border were fully up

LET THE GAMES BEGIN The 2019 League of Ireland season is launched by players yesterday