Football Association of Ireland announce Ladbrokes as new official betting partner

More investment into football in Ireland.

The healthy state of football in Ireland is reflected by the desire of major brands to invest in the game in the country, according to Football Association of Ireland Chief Executive John Delaney, as he announced a new partnership between the FAI and Ladbrokes.

The new two-year deal with the betting firm was revealed just hours before Martin O'Neill's international side take on Oman at the Aviva in a match that will be most notable as Robbie Keane's farewell to international football.

"I am delighted to welcome Ladbrokes as a key commercial partner of the Football Association of Ireland," Delaney said. 

"The strength of the game in Ireland is reflected in the range of high quality brands which have invested in football and who see football as their preferred sport."

Martin O'Neill's side face Oman on Wednesday before travelling to Belgrade to take on Serbia in their first 2018 World Cup qualifier on Monday night. Ladbrokes have been in Ireland for over 30 years and employ 650 staff.