The new cross-border ‘Champions Cup’ has got the green light and is expected to be formally launched within the next fortnight.
Meetings between the FAI and IFA took place this week and were described as positive and an announcement is imminent.
A new sponsor is in place and Mirror Sport understands it is a company that has not been actively involved with either association in the past.
Contracts for a “multi-year deal” are still being finalised while an official name will also be given to the competition.
The FAI’s Fran Gavin announced the new cross-border decider at the League of Ireland launch on February 11.
FAI interim CEO Rea Walshe meets PFAI bosses
But while the IFA and Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) confirmed that talks had taken place around that time, they accused Gavin of jumping the gun.
“Nothing has been confirmed at this stage,” said an IFA spokesman back in February regarding the two-legged tie on November 8 and 12.
Gavin said “significant prize money” will be on offer and said a sponsor would be announced in March.
That never happened but it’s now understood the two associations are closing in on an announcement although neither the FAI or IFA would comment yesterday.
Linfield have run away with this seasons NIFL Premiership and will be the Northern Ireland representatives against this season’s League of Ireland winners.
In February, Gavin said the games would take place after the FAI Cup final on November 3.
He said the first-leg would be played up north on November 8 and the return down south on November 12.
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