Iceland received €14m for reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, a lot of money for a small football association, and well deserved after their heroics in France.
The smallest country in population terms to have ever qualified for an international tournament have heavily invested in coaching and grassroots football in recent years, as evidenced by their appearance at the Euros. That looks set to continue with the money they gained from their adventures in France.
Iceland’s football association are set to distribute roughly 25% of their windfall, around €3,409,670, to its football clubs, divided according to team’s performances in recent seasons.
KSI Iceland's FA, distribution of Euro 2016 Finals participation income https://t.co/rGRmkBhe7i pic.twitter.com/FLgiLElB49
— Sligo Rovers Forum (@BitOForum) August 22, 2016
The decision by Iceland’s football association to divide a quarter of the money they earned at the Euros will make interesting reading for fans of League of Ireland clubs.
The FAI were recently criticised by Derry City and St Patrick’s Athletic for their plan to grant each League of Ireland club €5,000, to assist them in meeting five-year strategic plans.
The Republic of Ireland’s last-16 exit to France at Euro 2016 was worth €11m to the association.
