McGUINNESS DELIGHT AT AGREEMENTS

STEPHEN McGUINNESS (above) has hailed agreements on an increase in minimum pay for League of Ireland players and improvements in working conditions.

- By MARK McCADDEN

The players' union, PFA Ireland, has confirmed 'a series of significant improvements to player welfare and contract standards across men's and women's football' ahead of the 2026 season.

This follows negotiations with the National League Committee, League of Ireland clubs, and the FAI.

Among the changes are an increase in the minimum pay for full-time players, with 16 and 17-year-olds seeing their weekly salary increase from €280 to €300.