Mayo FC set sights on new National League as FAI reveals ‘Third Tier’ plans

Mayo FC is poised to make history as part of a major shake-up in Irish football, with the FAI confirming plans for a new third tier in the League of Ireland pyramid.

The FAI outlined a phased timeline for the league’s roll-out in a recent update with their in-house media team.

Teams are expected to be selected by the end of 2025, followed by a six-month on-boarding period in early 2026.

A shortened autumn season will kick off later that year to ease clubs into the new structure, with the first full summer-aligned campaign beginning in 2027. It will coincide with the regular League of Ireland season, which begins in February.

While no firm selection criteria have been set, clubs like Mayo FC are being encouraged to present their case to the FAI.

Key considerations include long-term commitment, community engagement, financial stability, and facilities, as well as ensuring balanced geographic representation across the country. Mayo FC is believed to be adrift geographically as few expressions of interest were made by sides in the Connaught/Ulster region.

FAI officials confirmed that applications have been received from all four provinces but despite speculation, there has been no official mention of college or B teams being involved at this stage.

Fran Gavin noted that travel grants may also be available to support clubs facing long-distance fixtures.

Mayo FC, long tipped as a potential addition to the national set-up since its inception in 2023, has fielded teams at men’s Under 14, Under 15 and (this season) Under 17 levels, while the club also has two women’s teams in the Under 17 and Under 19 age groups.

The club has been steadily preparing for this next step since its birth two years ago.