Interim FAI Deputy CEO Niall Quinn says the Association need to consider other strands of funding as they look to support the League of Ireland.
The FAI are in discussions with the National League Executive Committee around how the League can resume. There are a number of options to be examined, including playing matches behind closed doors, running the League from September to December with a shortened fixture schedule, or holding the season from September to February 2021.
There remains huge uncertainty over the calendar because of the pandemic and St Patrick's Athletic announced yesterday that they were temporarily laying off their playing and coaching staff.
Income support from the state is not guaranteed beyond the current three month period and without gate receipts, clubs can't generate any new revenue.
The FAI received emergency funding from the Government and UEFA back in January to safeguard the future of the Association, following the debts of over €50 million that built up under the previous management of Irish football's governing body.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Quinn said the FAI need to be creative about getting money in.
"I think we are looking elsewhere. 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. We are looking at that as well as trying to put that together with a potential streaming revenue and say to clubs - this is what it all adds up to and it's up to you now at this point where you want to go."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
