The Football Association of Ireland has signed an exclusive national radio deal with Off The Ball, providing live commentary rights for the radio and online broadcaster of all Republic of Ireland senior international matches across the next three seasons. 

The deal will include coverage of both the Men’s and Women’s National Senior Teams, starting with the FIFA World Cup Qualifying Play-Off between Heimir Hallgrímsson’s Ireland and Czechia in Prague on Thursday, March 26th.

With the tantalising prospect of the Men’s Team competing at the World Cup this summer, the real possibility of back-to-back World Cups for the Women’s Team in 2027, and a home EUROs in 2028, Irish football is set to take centre stage in the years ahead. This new partnership ensures Off The Ball will be at the heart of that journey, delivering comprehensive coverage every step of the way.

This deal builds on Off The Ball’s expanding Irish football portfolio, following its previously announced partnership with the League of Ireland, which grants Newstalk exclusive national radio rights to broadcast the league’s biggest games every Friday night. Newstalk will also broadcast the Final and Semi-Finals of the FAI Cup for the next three seasons. 

In addition to live match coverage, Off The Ball’s League of Ireland coverage will also feature a weekly League of Ireland podcast, LOI Late Night on X Spaces, along with pre- and post-match analysis on Off The Ball’s morning and evening shows.

Commenting on today’s big announcement, Off The Ball’s Managing Director Ger Gilroy said: “Nothing moves the needle like the Irish football team. Everyone in Off The Ball is incredibly excited to bring football fans across the country live commentary of  the Republic of Ireland games, and when you factor in the League of Ireland coverage it’s fair to say OTB is the home of football in Ireland.

"We’re providing an unprecedented level of access, with live match commentary, pre- and post-match analysis, new and well-established podcasts across the Men's and Women’s National Teams. This deal is a huge win for Irish audiences and the community of fans who’ve always supported the game here.” 

FAI Head of Sales & Partnerships Conor Cullen, said: “This is a hugely exciting period for Irish football, so we are thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with Newstalk and Off The Ball to ensure that we reach even more supporters following our Ireland Men’s and Women’s Senior Teams. We look forward to working closely together over the next three seasons.”