The FAI and IFA tonight agreed to set up a steering group that will investigate the viability of an All-Island League.
Kieran Lucid, the entrepreneur who has been driving merger proposals, published his final recommendations last week after his initial plans were shot down by the IFA.
Essentially, it involves teams north and south playing out their own - reduced - domestic leagues to determine the respective champions and European positions.
A cross-border competition would then ensue with the winners crowned the best team on the island.
Today, the FAI’s ‘strategic working group’ met with officials from all 19 League of Ireland clubs.
Clubs heard that the FAI will add 'external expert advice’ to its working group on the future makeup of domestic football.
But an All-Island league is just one possibility on the table as the committee will also debate alternative structures for the League of Ireland itself.
The FAI was represented by interim CEO Gary Owens, deputy interim CEO Niall Quinn and Competitions Director Fran Gavin.
Clubs were also presented with the findings of an outside agency’s market research into the League of Ireland while a fresh commercial strategy was discussed.
Clubs were asked to give feedback on what they would and wouldn’t like to see in a new participation agreement for the league.
Quinn said in a statement: “We had a very productive meeting where all parties agreed to continue to work together for the development of our League.
“Some good progress was made today. A clear determination was expressed by the clubs to examine all potential avenues.”
It will be Friday before the FAI informs clubs how it intends to bridge the financial gap for them if this season resumes behind-closed-doors.
