Professional contracts will be introduced in the Women’s National League from tomorrow despite initial resistance from some clubs.
And ahead of the 2023 season, female players will be subject to the same minimum wage rules recently introduced in the League of Ireland.
Three weeks ago, a minimum of €430 per week for full-time footballers and €130 per week for players on part-time deals was secured for the men’s game.
Until now, the WNL has operated on an amateur footing and many players were required to pay to play, or raise their own sponsorship to cover registration fees.
Some players do receive expenses but, because of amateur status, clubs were always open to losing their best players for free and with no compensation paid.
Now, clubs can combat that risk by offering professional or semi-professional deals - but the FAI insists they are under no obligation to do so despite the new measures.
Many of the 10 clubs that contested the 2022 season were against the introduction of professional deals.
Some feared it would play into the hands of wealthier sides cherry-picking the best players, even with club licensing checks on spending.
Fears were also expressed that any scope for Government funding down the line might be slow to materialise if clubs were already deemed to be professional.
Others argued against this, claiming the WNL would be in a better position to attract funding because of the professional and semi-professional status.
Shamrock Rovers have had a senior team accepted into the WNL next season and intend going semi-professional.
Ireland international Aine O’Gorman was their first signing of this close season, while Alannah McEvoy became the latest yesterday.
It remains to be seen how many of the Hoops’ league rivals will follow suit, but Mirror Sport understands that at least three clubs are likely to offer pro or semi-pro deals.
Under the new measures, players from other professional leagues will also be allowed to join WNL sides on loan.
Addressing the pro deal breakthrough, League of Ireland director Mark Scanlon said: “This represents a watershed moment for the SSE Airtricity Women’s National League.
“Though attendances, standards and exposure of the game have increased, women’s football in Ireland still has a long way to go to achieve the potential we know it has.
“The announcement of professional contracts will prove to be a significant milestone in the history of the game here.
“Clubs will now be able to provide certainty and a platform for growth for their players as they look to progress on and off the pitch.”
FAI chief Jonathan Hill said: “We’ve listened closely to the competitive pressures our clubs have faced. We have now created a pathway to sustainable growth.”
And the PFA Ireland tweeted: “PFA Ireland are delighted with the announcement of the change to professional status in the Women's National League.
“This is a huge step forward for women's football in Ireland, and we look forward to working with the players as our members in the future.”
READ NEXT:
Ex-Celtic coach Kolo Toure set to become new Wigan Athletic manager
Rangers 'sued' for £1.6m by Sydney Super Cup organisers over withdrawal from event
Tributes pour in for talented Tipperary hurler after tragic passing
Shades of Roy Keane as Andre Onana suspended from Cameroon squad
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
