The FAI and IRFU will reap much-needed six-figure cash bonuses after Government restrictions were lifted ahead of big November internationals at the Aviva Stadium.
Having taken a massive financial hit during the Covid pandemic, there was relief in both organisations yesterday when confirmation came that sporting grounds can return to full capacity.
The announcement was timely with the November games just weeks away.
Last night the FAI welcomed the news by confirming that capacity at the Lansdowne Road venue "will return to 100%" for the Republic's World Cup qualifier against Portugal on November 11.
The development will see the FAI earn upwards of €1m for the fixture as Stephen Kenny's Ireland look for revenge after Cristiano Ronaldo's two late goals sunk the visitors in Faro in September.
Pre-sale for season ticket holders, Club Ireland members and Corporate Box customers will open on Thursday, with all stakeholders to be informed of the sale details by email.
Then all remaining tickets will go on public sale on Ticketmaster.ie from Tuesday next at 10am.
With the restrictions only lifting from Friday morning, the Ireland women's World Cup qualifier against world number two ranked Sweden will still only be a 4,000 sell-out at Tallaght Stadium, with only 50% of tickets available to be sold.
However it is also good news for League of Ireland supporters, with two FAI Cup semi-finals - Bohemians v Waterford and St Pat's v Dundalk - now with the green light to have full capacity grounds on Friday night, and with the two Dublin clubs happy to sell double the amount of tickets now.
The IRFU has made no secret of its financial struggles through the pandemic, with staff and players forced to take a pay cut, while some staff were let go.
Andy Farrell's Ireland have three November internationals to prepare for - against Japan on November 6, New Zealand on November 13 and Argentina on November 21.
The IRFU will hope to make over €3m from their autumn series.
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