The Minister for Sport Shane Ross and the Minister of State with responsibility for Sport, Brendan Griffin, held a meeting with representatives of League of Ireland clubs and players today.
The meeting was, according to Minister Ross, for the league's representatives to air their views and perspectives ahead of the Ministers' meeting with UEFA later this month.
Irish international Jack Byrne and Dundalk stars Brian Gartland and Gary Rogers were all reportedly in attendance.
There had been fears over the future of the League of Ireland in recent months following the publication of FAI accounts and the suggestion the association could go into liquidation - which Minister Ross had theorised could spell the end of the league as well. While that view was later disputed, Minister Ross organised to meet with the league's stakeholders to get their view on Irish football's difficult situation.
Minister Ross has released a statement this evening outlining his belief that the meeting was vital and he will convey the concerns to UEfA in that meeting.
"It was stated at the meeting that the League is the ‘beating heart’ of soccer, and its development must be placed at the centre of the future of football in Ireland.
"I cannot disagree with this. The contribution of the League of Ireland to communities, including the economic and employment benefits it provides can no longer be underestimated.
"I know that in the past players have felt they had little or no voice in how the game here developed and I agree that the old elitist attitude of ignoring those who matter most to this sport must change immediately.
"The old culture of FAI officials at the front of the plane while our players languished in steerage is over.
"The League of Ireland is a crucial stakeholder in Irish Football and a vibrant League of Ireland is essential to the future of Irish football.
"The contributions we have heard today are long overdue, very much welcomed and will of course be conveyed to UEFA.”
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