5 reasons why the GPA are opposing the new plans for the All-Ireland football championship
THE GPA HAVE revealed why they are opposed to the revamp of the All-Ireland senior football championship, which will be debated at GAA Congress this weekend.
Source: Seb Daly/SPORTSFILE
The ‘Super 8′ proposal – which will seek to introduce a round-robin system at the quarter-final stage – has attracted fierce criticism with club and inter-county players opposing it.
In a statement released today, the GPA stated that they are in favour of a proposed switch of the All-Ireland finals from September to August, and the proposal for extra-time to decide all drawn games, with the exception of finals.
But they outlined some of the reasons why they are against the planned ‘Super 8′ changes.
- The lack of sufficient and meaningful consultation with players regarding all aspects of the proposal.
- The fact that the proposals offer little by way of change for lower ranked counties who are traditionally less successful than those competing at the latter stages of the championship.
- cThe motivational impact for players competing at the lower end of the Championship which may be negatively impacted leading to concerns about the longer term sustainability of the football championship.
- The fact that the proposed format will do little to alleviate the increasing gap between higher and lower ranked counties.
- The reality that there will be no incentive for provincial winners over other teams who qualify for the quarter-final stage. Provincial winners would now have to play an additional three games in order to reach the semi-final.
“The inter-county game is the pinnacle at which players at all levels strive to play at,” remarked GPA chief executive Dermot Earley.
“The idea of players participating in a competition with a revised format which does not have the support of over 70% of squads is something the GPA finds impractical.
“The GPA is calling on delegates to oppose the motion being put to the GAA Congress this weekend.
“The GPA is reiterating the need for meaningful collaborative engagement with all stakeholders to bring about agreed change which is critically important to the future of our games.
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“The GPA feels that any change should also be cognisant of the impact on all competitions including the All Ireland Hurling Championship, Christy Ring, Nicky Rackard and Lory Meagher Cups.”
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